Deadly Innovation

We are supporting our First Nations’ innovators and entrepreneurs to develop and grow

The Deadly Innovation Strategy aims to increase economic participation and independence for Indigenous innovators in Queensland.

Initiatives under the strategy are developed and co-designed in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

These initiatives have created new leadership opportunities, fostered partnerships, and unlocked resources, leading to job creation and business opportunities for First Nations’ people.

The Deadly Innovation Strategy has driven First Nations-led economic development since 2019, with over 100 projects benefiting from investment and support.

Partnerships

Deadly Innovation is all about working with First Nations’ entrepreneurs, innovators and communities to overcome challenges, including helping emerging businesses become investment-ready, working with communities to build up industries that are in demand, and playing to traditional strengths to create entirely new business opportunities.

Deadly Innovation Strategy delivery features many partnerships and opportunities designed to enable First Nations’ people to fully participate in and drive the new economy.

Queensland Indigenous Business Network

The Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN) is a new state-wide representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in Queensland. The QIBN offers a unified representative voice and a range of support services to achieve business and employment growth as well as community success by connecting First Nation businesses with a range of government and private sector procurement opportunities. The QIBN intends to serve as a pivotal link among First Nation enterprises, fostering an environment of cooperation, partnership, and innovation within the network and extending to government and industry allies. To find out more visit the QIBN website at https://qibn.com.au/

First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program, managed by First Australians Capital

The First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program is set to unlock First Nations’ business growth by enhancing investment readiness and providing access to capital pathways. First Australians Capital (FAC) will deliver this business acceleration as part of its work to harness the cultural, creative and economic strengths of First Nations’ businesses. Innovation Division is proud to partner with FAC on the program which is scheduled to go live on 4 February 2025.

The Program will assist First Nations’ businesses ready to scale, through a staged partnership approach. Investment ready First Nations business now have opportunity to explore the right capital solution that unlocks opportunities to grow and thrive.

View more information about the First Nations Innovation Acceleration Program.

First Nations’ trailblazing initiatives

These initiatives set out to position First Nations’ people as trailblazers within Queensland’s evolving innovation economy.

Cherbourg Digital Centre – Jobs on Country

The Cherbourg Digital Trust is Queensland's first Indigenous community managed service centre offering services to corporations and government entities. With Fujitsu Australia as a foundational client, recently joined by contracts with DB Results and Smart Service Queensland, the centre operates from the Cherbourg TAFE campus, providing up to 30 digital job opportunities.

The model is now realising its greater potential and has been successfully replicated in other locations, including Palm Island.

To empower Indigenous young people today with the STEM skills needed for these and many other jobs of tomorrow, Advance Queensland is working with the Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group, alongside Deadly Coders and Junior Engineers to deliver a comprehensive digital education program targeting up to 4000 students across Queensland.

First Nations’ Tech Partnership – Caring for Country

Deadly Innovation has supported Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers to use drones and AI on Country to monitor and manage the natural environment, and First Nations’ artists and storytellers to use XR/VR immersive technologies to engage audiences in Indigenous history and culture. This exciting work is providing tourists with an immersive experience and unprecedented insight into the importance of Country to First Nations’ people.

Indigenous Native Food Program

The Indigenous Native Food Program has significantly increased First Nations’ business participation in the lucrative food industry. Delivered in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, this program has supported 24 businesses so far, with four of those reaching export markets, 20 developing commercially ready products, and all providing jobs to First Nations’ people.

Contact

For any specific enquiries about Deadly Innovation, please email regionalinnovation@dtis.qld.gov.au