Queensland researchers and entrepreneurs will be able to access expertise and investment opportunities in China through a new State Government program offering up to $20,000 for placements inkeyChinese technology incubators.

Under theCommercialisation Partnership Program (CPP)researchers will have the opportunity to prototype, test, attract investment and commercialise innovative ideas at one of China’s leading science and technology incubators.

Queensland’s Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch, announced the opening of the first round applicationsthis week, saying the CPP provided a fantastic opportunity.

The partnership between the Queensland Government and China’s prestigious Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will see up to eight Queensland entrepreneurs and researchers placed in leading science and technology incubators in China.

“This is a fantastic foot-in-the-door opportunity for Queensland entrepreneurs, whether they are a technology start-up, established science-related business, or a Queensland researcher looking to commercialise their research,” Ms Enoch said.

“They will have access to world-class facilities, mentors and local business links, and receive invaluable insight into the Chinese market as well as the potential to secure capital to refine their concept and get their business up and running.”

Areas of research under the CPP include:

  • agriculture (including food)
  • human health and medical research
  • cleaner and renewable energy technologies
  • environment (including marine and terrestrial)
  • advanced materials and nanotechnology
  • digital-enabled technologies.

Applications for the competitive program close on30 November 2016.

Ms Enoch said successful applicants would receive up to $20,000 for placements of up to three months in one of MOST’s six major incubators, including Zhongguancun Technology Science Park in Beijing, Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone in Shanghai and Shenzhen High-Tech Industrial Park in Guangdong.

“The CPP is a result of this strong relationship with MOST, which has also seen the establishment of the Australia China Joint Laboratory for Energy and Environmental Materials at Griffith University, the Australia-China Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at QUT, and the Joint Laboratory of Neuroscience and Cognition at the University of Queensland — among a range of initiatives,” Ms Enoch said.

China’s Vice Minister for Science and Technology Professor Xu Nanping said the program would focus on areas of mutual interest, including agriculture, medical research and renewable energy.

“In China, we have great respect for the research and innovation coming out of Queensland. It makes a lot of sense for us to work with Queensland start-ups and innovators, assisting them in commercialising their innovations, so that China and Queensland can benefit,” Professor Xu said.

Click here for information on the Commercialisation Partnership Program.