State spurs innovators

THE State Government’s chief entrepreneur Mark Sowerby says the future of the innovation scene in Queensland is bright, welcoming more projects outside the southeast.

Mr Sowerby, who is about to complete his one- year term, told InnovationAus. com that Queensland business had a “healthier entrepreneurial spirit” while giving a nod to the Advance Queensland Startup Precinct project that has established regional hubs in Cairns and Mackay.

“I’d be amazed that Queensland doesn’t own this sector in 10 years,” he said.

Mr Sowerby recently hosted a group of successful entrepreneurs on a 6500km tour through Goondiwindi, Emerald, Yeppoon, Rockhampton, Charters Towers, Longreach, Mount Isa, Lockhart River, Cairns and Mackay.

“Queensland should and could own this space. The data is really compelling – we just overtook Victoria in the number of startups,” he said.