AI and robotics attract more Qld Govt funding

A further $50 million has been invested by the state government in the Advance Queensland program.

Using advanced technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous machines and vehicles, and big data will be critical to the future competitiveness of all Queensland’s industries.

“Advance Queensland is about ensuring the future of our state — and creating jobs and opportunities now and for our children,” said Innovation Minister Kate Jones.

“That is why we are lifting our overall investment in Advance Queensland to a $650 million program.

“We are investing $15 million in the IndustryTech fund to back projects that develop and deploy these cross-cutting technologies right here in Queensland and we will also create an artificial intelligence hub.

“I want this state to be leading the world in applying these platform technologies to boost both existing and emerging industries.”

The IndustryTech fund will back game-changing projects that combine and leverage the know-how of start-ups, small businesses, researchers and industry partners.

“In areas like drones, this kind of support has helped place Queensland as a global centre for technology development, benefiting our defence support, agriculture and resources sectors,” Jones said.

“These technologies will create new job opportunities but we need workers with the skills. In Queensland right now, we can only fill one in eight available jobs in artificial intelligence.”

The Artificial Intelligence Hub will be based at the Precinct in Fortitude Valley, to develop more skills in AI and to connect business with AI start-ups and researchers.

“I am also proud to announce the Precinct will be expanded by 50% to meet demand for space for new high-tech businesses and create new networks,” said Jones.

Regional Queensland will be a major focus in developing new technology, with the Regional Internet of Things (RIoT) Program to fund local projects helping local business, communities and councils to trial the use of connected devices on farms, in factories and in towns.

“We will also help regional businesses to engage with the digital economy and innovation, learning new skills and to how to work together to grow through ideas,” said Jones.

“We will also help local start-up hubs across the state, with additional support to our Advancing Regional Innovation Program (ARIP), which has partners working together to harness innovation all over Queensland.”

The Australian first Hot DesQ program, which attracts start-ups from interstate and overseas to come to Queensland to share their connections and experience with local start-ups, will be extended for a further two years.

Jones said the new investment was additional to the $73 million in election commitments for Advance Queensland, including support for:

• Ignite Ideas Fund
• Industry Research Fellowships
• Regional Startup Onramp program
• Female Founders program
• Deadly Innovation program
   

“Advance Queensland is working — we have supported over 3100 innovators whose projects are driving over 11,300 jobs,” she said.

Image credit: ©agsandrew/Dollar Photo Club

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