The Queensland Government has announced funding to encourage the creation of more innovative events in the state.
The Innovation Events Fund is designed to support events like regional roadshows, summits, conferences, industry forums, roundtables and expos that address “real-world challenges”.
Organisations can apply for grant funding of between $10,000 and $25,000 to cover up to 50 percent of the total cash budget for the event.
Applications close at 10am Monday March 16, 2026 and $400,000 in total is available. More information is available here.
Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said the events must build innovation capability, help solve existing challenges, introduce new-to-world innovations or encourage the adoption of technology in unique ways.
The program was part of the state’s Destination 2045 plan aimed at making Queensland the “events capital of the nation”.
“Innovation drives economic growth, and by backing events that build skills and connections, we’re setting Queensland up for a stronger, more resilient future,” Mr Powell said.
“The launch of this program coincides with consultation on our new statewide Science and Innovation Strategy, and I encourage Queenslanders to engage with both initiatives.”
The Government has also announced $1.8 million to back 37 new creative works across Queensland under the inaugural round of the Queensland Arts Project Fund.
Recipients include the Dead Puppet Society, Gold Coast Music Network, Mount Isa City Council Owned Enterprise Pty Ltd and Cairns-based violinist and teacher Kirtley Walker-Halstead.
Dead Puppet Society, a Brisbane-based theatre company known for blending intricate and high-tech design with genre-defying storytelling, will receive $73,648 to develop ECHO – an innovative robotic puppet performance delivered in partnership with QUT, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and The Princess Theatre.
The funding is delivered through three streams – a general stream providing up to $70,000 for projects, an individuals stream providing up to $20,000, and two-year matched funding of up to $150,000 for exceptional large-scale projects.
Additional funding of up to $10,000 has been allocated to support access needs of artists and audiences with disability.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the fund showcased the true depth, diversity and originality of creative talent in Queensland.
For more information and to view a full list of successful applicants in Round 1 of the Queensland Arts Project Fund click here.
