Smart Precinct NQ

10/06/2026

🚍 Reef City Innovation Tour

The day after the Founder Pitch Showcase, we explored innovation in action across North Queensland.

From biotechnology and advanced manufacturing to drone technology and environmental sensing, the tour showcased just some of the businesses helping shape our region's future.

Thank you to , , and .group for opening their doors (Zooming in across timezones!) and sharing their stories.

💡 One thing became clear: world-class innovation isn't something we need to import. It's already happening right here in North Queensland.

08/06/2026

Join us for a special edition of The Power of Her Story as we celebrate the achievements of the Accelerating NQ Female Founders Cohort 2.

Over the past nine months, these remarkable founders have been building businesses, growing their capabilities and pursuing their entrepreneurial ambitions. Now it's time to celebrate their progress, hear their stories, and discover what's next.

The evening will feature an inspiring founder conversation with accomplished Australian entrepreneurs Susan Toft and Nicole Nixon, sharing insights on innovation, leadership, resilience, and the realities of building and scaling successful businesses.

You'll also hear live pitches from Cohort 2 founders:
🎤 Melanie Clair – Brain Injury Online
🎤 Tara Rossow – Quick Cue
🎤 Sky Hunt – Green Sky Optimal
🎤 Lisa Newland – Step Out Academy

Whether you're building a business, leading a team, supporting innovation, mentoring founders, or simply looking to connect with the local business community, this event is for you.

💡 Founder conversation with Susan Toft and Nicole Nixon
🎤 Live founder pitches
🤝 Networking with founders, mentors, partners and the broader innovation community
🥂 Light refreshments included

📅 Wednesday 24 June | 5.15–8.00pm
📍 Manhattan Room, Flinders Lane
🎟️ $20 per person
🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/49K3rVg

Proudly supported by the Queensland Government, with thanks to Flinders Lane and Townsville City Council.

04/06/2026

The photos are here 📸

The Founder Pitch Showcase was about the pitches... and so much more. It was a night of conversations, connections, encouragement and a shared belief in the potential of North Queensland innovation.

From networking and audience contributions to panel insights and community support, these photos capture the people and moments that made the evening so special.

Thank you to everyone who attended, shared ideas, offered connections and helped create an environment where innovation could thrive.

This event was powered by Smart Precinct NQ, supported by the Queensland Government through the Regional Enablers Program, and delivered in partnership with James Cook University and Townsville City Council.

📸 View the full gallery here: https://bit.ly/3S3obRL

Thanks to Roslyn Budd Photography

03/06/2026

What an incredible night.

More than 150 people came together at James Cook University's Engineering & Innovation Place for the Founder Pitch Showcase - a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship and the strength of North Queensland's innovation ecosystem.

From bold ideas and courageous pitches to meaningful conversations, new connections and practical support, the evening showcased what's possible when a community comes together to help founders move forward.

A huge congratulations to all 15 founders who stepped onto the stage and shared their ventures with the room. The energy, generosity and support from our audience, panel and wider ecosystem was something special.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success.

This event was powered by Smart Precinct NQ, supported by the Queensland Government through the Regional Enablers Program, and delivered in partnership with JCU: James Cook University, and Townsville City Council.

🎥 Watch the highlights below.

Thanks to Hello Blue Productions

20/05/2026

🎤 Meet the Pitch Showcase Line-Up 🚀

After an incredible response from founders across North Queensland, the final 15 innovators stepping onto the stage on Thursday 28 May have been selected.

These founders have spent the past couple of weeks inside our Founder Pitch Capability Program - refining their pitches, sharpening their message and building momentum ahead of the showcase.

Now they need the ecosystem in the room.

Whether you’re from business, industry, investment, government, research, a fellow founder - or simply passionate about innovation in North Queensland - we’d love to have you there supporting these founders.

✨ Meet the line-up:

Anne McClure - Vesta Workwear
Bec Gravelle - Set to Succeed
Candy Maclaughlin - Skybury Farms
Deb Robson - Dear Me App
Elle Russell - NightCafe
Josh Pirrone - Pirrone Brothers
Kyle Page - NAFA
Lionel Hebbard - Infinite Bioworks
Mehdi Khatamifar - JCU Research
Paul Mead - GeoNadir
Rowena Burley - Townsville Loves Defence
Sarah Chapman - STEM Changemakers
Shakira Todd - Wildlife Surrounds
Shawn Anderson - PLEASEDONATE Australia
Zaf Smith - Virtual Shift

🎟️ Tickets are limited >> https://spnq.org/events/

📍 JCU Engineering & Innovation Place
📅 Thursday 28 May
🕠 5:30pm arrival | 6:30pm start
🎟️ $25 >> https://spnq.org/events/

18/05/2026

Something pretty incredible is happening in North Queensland’s startup ecosystem 🚀

We’ve been blown away by the energy, ambition and momentum emerging from founders across the region.

We received 41 applications for the Founder Pitch Showcase >> 23 founders shortlisted into our Founder Pitch Capability Program >> 15 Founders getting ready to pitch!

Over the past couple of weeks, they’ve been diving into investment readiness, pitch preparation workshops and one-on-one coaching with Aaron Birkby from Tribe Global Ventures - refining their message, sharpening their pitch and building momentum ahead of the showcase.

Now, Aaron and the SPNQ team are finalising the 15 founders who’ll take the stage on Thursday 28 May...

And honestly? The quality of ideas coming through this process has been next level.

Founder announcements coming soon 👀

If you want to support regional founders, hear bold ideas and be part of an incredible night of innovation, conversation and connection - grab your ticket now.

🎟️ Tickets are limited >> https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0SzP20

📍 JCU Engineering & Innovation Place
📅 Thursday 28 May
🕠 5:30pm arrival | 6:30pm start
🎟️ $25 >> https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0SzP20

15/05/2026

We’re incredibly excited to welcome an outstanding panel lineup to the Founder Pitch Showcase on Thursday 28 May.

These are people who have built brands, scaled businesses, supported founders, led research and backed innovation across Australia and internationally - and they’ll be in the room sharing insights, feedback and perspective with North Queensland founders.

Joining the panel:

✨ Professor Jenny Seddon - Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, James Cook University
✨ Shelley Grainger - General Manager, Smart Precinct NQ
✨ Dan Small - Chief Customer Officer, Boody
✨ Aaron Birkby - CEO & Co-Founder, Tribe Global Ventures

And guiding the evening as MC is the incredible Amy Savage - a passionate advocate for regional growth, innovation and meaningful connection.

Let's bring the best of our ecosystem together to support these founders, create conversations, opportunities and connections that help founders move forward - tickets are limited.

📍 JCU Engineering & Innovation Place
📅 Thursday 28 May
🕠 5:30pm arrival | 6:30pm start
🎟️ $25 >> https://ap1.hubs.ly/y0SbJG0

This event is powered by Smart Precinct NQ, proudly supported by the Queensland Government as part of the Regional Enablers Program, in partnership with James Cook University, thanks to the support of Townsville City Council.

14/05/2026

Tickets are limited - don't miss out!!!!

Join us for the Founder Pitch Showcase! An evening celebrating the founders, ideas, connections and entrepreneurial spirit that have shaped North Queensland’s innovation ecosystem over the years.

With 15 innovation-driven founders pitching live, investor and ecosystem insights, this will be a high-energy night designed to bring the community together.

As one of Smart Precinct NQ’s final major events, it’s also a moment to reflect on how far the region has come - and support the next wave of founders stepping forward with courage and ambition.

✨ Live founder pitches
✨ Investor + ecosystem panel insights
✨ Meaningful conversations + networking
✨ Live music by Heart Songs
✨ Canapés by A Touch of Salt

📍 JCU Engineering & Innovation Place
📅 Thursday 28 May
🕠 5:30pm arrival | 6:30pm start
🎟️ $25 >> https://bit.ly/4nrzIWJ

This event is powered by Smart Precinct NQ, proudly supported by the Queensland Government as part of the Regional Enablers Program, in partnership with James Cook University, thanks to the support of Townsville City Council.

11/05/2026

As Queensland Small Business Month celebrates building resilient, future-ready businesses, join us for Simple, Smart Privacy for Small Business - a practical workshop designed to help you confidently manage customer data without the overwhelm.

✔️ Understand privacy in plain English
✔️ Identify common risks in everyday tools
✔️ Improve a real business process
✔️ Leave with a practical 30-day action plan

A practical, workshop-style session that’s supportive, interactive, and designed for beginners.

📅 Thursday 14 May
⏰ 12–2pm
📍 Smart Precinct NQ, 143 Walker Street, Townsville
💻 Online option available
🎟 $35

Secure your spot → https://bit.ly/4tvTwd4

11/05/2026

Great ideas need the right environment to grow - and programs like this help create exactly that for emerging founders and innovators in North Queensland.

We’re excited to see JCU: James Cook University, Australia and the Queensland Government bringing this Impact10X opportunity to Townsville in June, particularly as we continue to build momentum through this month’s upcoming Pitch Showcase. For anyone looking to test, refine and pitch an innovation-driven idea, this program could be a valuable next step >>

🚀 Calling all bold entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators in Townsville!

The Impact10X 3-Day Simulator is your launchpad to build, validate, and pitch your high-impact venture. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this program equips you with the tools, mentorship, and connections to succeed.

📍 Location: 1 James Cook Dr, Douglas QLD 4814
📅 Dates: 24 – 26 June 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

What to expect:
✅ Day 1: Build & Innovate – Team collaboration, workshops, and insider insights
✅ Day 2: Prototype & Validate – MVP development and live demos
✅ Day 3: Pitch & Gain Feedback – Investor coaching and live pitch event

💡 Beyond Day 3: High-potential start-ups may be invited to the Impact10X Venture Builder to scale and prepare for investment.

If you’re ready to solve real-world problems and bring your vision to life, apply now!

👩‍💻 Who should apply?
Ambitious founders, problem-solvers, and innovators with scalable ideas and a drive to make an impact.

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to take your venture to the next level: https://impact10x.com.au/simulator/