Funding sparks ideas and ignites small Queensland businesses

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation The Honourable Leanne Linard
  • Fifty-six Queensland businesses will share in more than $5.5 million in funding to bring new and innovative products and services to the market.
  • The Miles Government’s Ignite Ideas Fund helps companies to take a viable product to market with grants of up to $200,000, while the Ignite Spark Program offers grants of up to $75,000 to help businesses progress their products and services from prototype to a more advanced stage on the journey to market.
  • Applications for the next funding round of both programs are now open.

The Miles Government continues to back Queensland innovators by providing grants to help develop new and innovative products and services and bring them to market.

Innovation Minister Leanne Linard today announced 56 small-to-medium-sized businesses would share in more than $5.5 million in grants under two Miles Government Advance Queensland funding initiatives – the Ignite Ideas Fund and the Ignite Spark Program.

The Ignite Ideas Fund is designed to empower Queensland SMEs with high-growth potential to commercialise their ground-breaking products or services.

In its eleventh funding round, 26 businesses will share in grants totaling $3.3 million.

Projects will include ‘You After X’ a pioneering mobile app, which offers a lifeline to women facing the complexities of separation or divorce and ‘Clean&Recover’ that will help mining companies transform waste streams into productive assets.

The inaugural funding round for the Ignite Spark Program will see 30 innovation-driven enterprises share in $2.2 million of funding to progress their new and innovative products and services from prototype to a more advanced stage on the journey to market.

Projects attracting funding include ‘Attunga’ – an innovative tethered drone, equipped with a cellular repeater, designed to extend communication networks in rural areas and help bridge the connectivity gap and enhance access to essential communication services.

Another recipient has developed innovative UltravioletC water sterilisation devices to kill bacteria in potable water systems within health and aged care facilities. The funding will enable prototypes to be demonstrated, validated and tested with customers to inform final modifications in preparation for market entry.

Applications for the next funding rounds for both funding programs are now open is now open.

Quotes attributable to Innovation Minister, Leanne Linard:

“The successful recipients under these latest funding rounds of the Ignite Ideas and Ignite Spark programs demonstrate yet again that Queensland is home to some very innovative and very entrepreneurial people.

“The Miles Government celebrates these innovators and is proud to support them in further developing their products and then commercialising them.

“The Ignite program already supports hundreds of jobs across Queensland and represents a significant investment in the State’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

“The Miles Government is committed to supporting local start-ups and entrepreneurs to kick goals on the world stage, accelerate the State’s economic growth and create even more jobs for the future.

“By supporting innovative initiatives we’re working together to create a better life for all Queenslanders and showcasing our potential as a global leader in the highly competitive innovation economy.”

Quotes attributable to Ms Selina Millers, Founder of The Split (You After X project):

“Receiving the Ignite Ideas funding marks a pivotal moment for You After X, propelling us closer to our vision of empowering women globally through our transformative app.

“This funding not only validates the importance of our mission but also provides the resources necessary to expand our reach and impact.

“With this support, we’re poised to extend our services to women across Queensland, Australia, and beyond, offering a lifeline to those navigating the challenging and lonely terrain of separation or divorce.

“This funding will make a tangible difference in the lives of countless women, granting them access to the support and guidance they need to navigate this tumultuous chapter with resilience and self-care.

“By harnessing the POWERHOUSE Method, our app equips users with practical tools and emotional support, empowering them to not just survive, but thrive, post-separation.

“With the Queensland Government’s backing, we’re on track to revolutionize how women approach this transition, fostering a community of strength, courage, and empowerment.”

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