SEQ Innovation Economy Fund

Purpose and Program Overview

The South East Queensland (SEQ) Innovation Economy Fund is a key initiative under the $1.8 billion SEQ City Deal, a tripartite agreement between the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, and the Council of Mayors (SEQ). The program is designed to transform the region into a global innovation powerhouse by investing in critical infrastructure that supports high-value, knowledge-intensive industries.

The fund aims to accelerate the delivery of future-focused jobs and enhance the region’s global competitiveness. By supporting the development of innovation precincts and the commercialisation of new technologies, the grant fosters an ecosystem where researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders can collaborate on sustainable solutions for the region’s economic and social challenges.

With a total funding pool of $150 million—comprising $100 million in combined government investment and at least $50 million in industry co-contributions—this program plays a vital role in strengthening South East Queensland’s productivity. It focuses on creating new economic development corridors and ensuring the region remains a premier location for trade, investment, and talent retention.

Key Grant Details

• Grant Amount: $500,000 to $25,000,000 (excluding GST).

• Application Status: Round 2 is currently open (Closing 25 June 2026).

• Eligible Entities: Local councils, universities, research institutes, not-for-profits, and private/public sector organisations.

• Required Co-contributions: Minimum 50% cash co-contribution of the grant amount requested.

• Applicability: Projects must be located within one of the 11 eligible SEQ Local Government Areas.

Priority Sectors

The grant is open to a broad range of sectors with a focus on innovation-focused priority industries, including:

• Biotechnology and Health

• Energy Transformation and Renewable Energy

• Advanced Manufacturing and Defence

• Agtech and Biosecurity

• Digital Health and Future Skills

• Sustainable Resource Management (Circular Economy)

Funding Scope

The fund is structured into two primary tiers based on the scale of the infrastructure project:

• Tier One (Minor Capital Projects): $500,000 to $5,212,840 (excluding GST). Focused on refurbishments and/or the acquisition of plant and equipment.

• Tier Two (Major Capital Projects): $5,212,841 to $25,000,000 (excluding GST). Focused on new builds, major extensions, or significant infrastructure refurbishments.

• Project Timeline: All funded projects must be completed by 30 June 2027.

Eligibility Criteria

• Entity Type: Must be a legal entity with an active ABN and GST registration.

• Location: Must have a registered place of business and project site within the 11 SEQ councils (Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, or Toowoomba).

• Operational History: Applicants must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months (or provide evidence of qualified project partners/service providers).

• Precinct Alignment: Eligible projects must be established within an existing innovation precinct or place.

• Exclusions: Previous recipients of Round 1 funding are ineligible to apply as lead applicants for Round 2.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Construction Costs: All site works, materials, and construction-related labour.

• Plant and Equipment: Acquisition and installation of advanced technology, robotics, or specialised laboratory equipment.

• Infrastructure Improvements: New builds, extensions, or refurbishments of existing innovation facilities.

• Project Management: Salaries for staff directly managing the construction/commissioning of the infrastructure (excluding executive duties).

• Commissioning: Costs required to bring the infrastructure into full operational status.

Assessment Process

The SEQ Innovation Economy Fund is a competitive grant. Applications are evaluated against the following criteria.

• Project Merit: Alignment with program goals and the ability to accelerate high-value jobs.

• Strategic Alignment: Demonstrated location within an innovation precinct and contribution to priority sectors.

• Value for Money: Level of co-contribution and the broader economic/social impact relative to the funding requested.

• Capability: Evidence of the technical and financial capacity to deliver the project by the deadline.

Recent Program Updates

The program is currently in Round 2, following a highly successful Round 1 that awarded $94 million to eight major projects. Key updates include clarified thresholds for minor and major capital tiers and a fixed closing date in mid-2026 to ensure all projects meet the 2027 completion mandate.

Application Tips

• Confirm Precinct Status: Ensure your project is located within an officially recognised innovation precinct, as this is a core requirement.

• Secure Co-funding: Provide clear evidence of the 50% cash co-contribution from your organisation or project partners.

• Focus on Employment: Clearly articulate how the project will create knowledge-intensive jobs at the project’s end date.

• Document Thoroughly: Prepare detailed project budgets and capability statements in advance to meet the high standards of competitive assessment.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist like Pattens Group for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact us today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist, boasting over 35 years of experience in the industry and a 100% success rate. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the official website of the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund and other associated Australian government websites.