Why Queensland
While Queensland’s natural treasures have long been celebrated, the state’s knowledge economy is emerging as its next great asset.
Research excellence drives Queensland forward, with the state’s health, biomedical and earth sciences publications cited more than three times the global average. Established academic and industry networks spanning the region transform breakthrough discoveries into commercial reality. Queensland’s extraordinary geography — from tropical rainforests to coral-fringed coastlines and vast plains — creates unique testing environments that enhance innovation impact across international markets. This diversity advantage, combined with strategic positioning and world-class infrastructure, establishes Queensland as the Asia-Pacific’s premier innovation destination.
3x tier-1 universities
Including QUT, Griffith and UQ (a global top 50 ranked institution), offering access to elite research and talent
60% more cost-effective
clinical trials than the US thanks to Australia’s 43.5% R&D Tax Incentive, maximising investor capital efficiency and accelerating ROI timelines
~3x faster clinical trials
in Australia compared to the US and ~2x faster than the UK for Phase I studies, accelerating time-to-market for new therapeutics
32 direct international connections
to Asia, Middle East, Oceania and North America, providing round-the-clock global market access via Brisbane International Airport
13th country in the world by GDP
Australia’s economic strength has supported Queensland’s two decades of growth at rates surpassing the national average
A$569m
Queensland biomedical exports
A$13.3bn
Queensland agriculture and food exports (2023-24)
43% higher health index returns
realised by Australian investment landscape versus US health stocks 2014-2024
As a gateway to the Asia-Pacific, Queensland’s capital offers timezone advantages for seamless regional collaboration.
Brisbane’s skilled workforce and well-established innovation ecosystem with robust Intellectual Property protection provide a dependable base for commercialisation and scale, offering particular advantages for healthcare, environmental and biotech enterprises.
81% startup ecosystem growth
characterises Brisbane’s entrepreneurial landscape between 2019-2023, creating a wealth of investment targets and validating the region’s innovation climate
19% population surge
predicted over the decade to 2032, cementing Brisbane as Australia’s second-fastest growing capital
34% forecast economic growth
2021–31 putting Brisbane’s economy on course to reach A$275bn by 2041
36% 10-year health sector growth
forecast from 2021 – 2031
100+ health and biotech facilities
concentrated in Brisbane’s core provide exceptional research density in a vibrant city environment attractive to high-calibre talent
2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
host city rights cement Brisbane’s status as a premier global destination, guaranteeing public investment, heightened international visibility and talent attraction
Brisbane Knowledge Corridor
(Dutton Park campus)
(St Lucia campus)
(Herston campus)
(CBD Campus)
(Queensland College
of Art and Design)
(Gardens Point campus)
(Kelvin Grove campus)
SUNSHINE COAST
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
(CBD campus)
(Southbank campus)
(TRI) AUSTRALIA
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
RESEARCH FACILITY
— PATHEON PHARMA SERVICES
HEALTH RESEARCH
HOSPITAL
(Public, Private, Mothers’, Children’s)
HOSPITAL
SURGICAL TREATMENT AND
REHABILITATION SERVICE (STARS)
PRIVATE HOSPITAL
HOSPITAL
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
PARKLANDS
PARKLAND
(State Library, Queensland Art Gallery,
GOMA, Queensland Museum, QPAC)
EXHIBITION CENTRE
Education
Lifestyle
Medical
Research & Industry 
