Queensland's innovation connector service tops 100 users since August

What's the deal? Queensland's Science and Innovation Connector Service has supported more than 100 researchers, startups and businesses since it launched in August, the state government said. The free service helps users navigate Queensland's science and innovation ecosystem and connect with expertise, networks and investment.

Why now? The milestone marks an early uptake test for the service, which sits within the Crisafulli government's 15-year Ideas into Impact strategy. Demand has been strongest from startups and regional Queenslanders.

What's the endgame? The strategy commits an additional $22 million to help move research toward commercial outcomes and aims to double the value of Queensland's innovation ecosystem over 15 years. It also includes a new Office of Commercialisation to tackle the research-to-market gap.

What they're saying: "We're making it easier for Queenslanders to get the right support and turn ideas into outcomes," said Andrew Powell, minister for science and innovation. He added that innovation "shouldn't be limited by geography or a lack of connections."

Queensland Chief Scientist Kerrie Wilson said the service "is creating more opportunities for government, researchers and businesses to come together and progress promising projects from ideas to impact."

The signal: The 100-plus figure shows demand for a single front door to innovation support, but it is uptake, not outcomes. Whether the service matters will depend on how many projects progress to investment, products or jobs.

Read more: miragenews.com

Image credit: Generated with Gemini