Queensland has the research capability, entrepreneurial talent and investor interest to create more globally successful technology companies.  

The challenge now is turning promising ideas into businesses that can scale. 

That was the message from leaders across Queensland's innovation ecosystem at Capital Coast: Queensland Deep Tech Investment Summit, held at the UniSC Innovation Centre on the Sunshine Coast on 15 October 2026.  

Bringing together startup founders, researchers, industry leaders and investors representing approximately $15.4 billion in capital, the summit focused on what it will take to build Queensland's next generation of success stories.  

Queensland Minister for Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Andrew Powell MP said the state already had the foundations needed to compete globally. 

"We have the talent and the research capability and the ambition to compete globally,” Minister Powell said.  

“The opportunity now is to turn that capability into commercial success and that takes investment, strong industry connections and the right opportunities for Queensland businesses to grow."  

The summit highlighted a growing consensus that while Queensland produces world-class research and innovation, long-term success depends on helping more founders navigate the path from breakthrough idea to globally competitive company.  

For keynote speaker Stuart Clout, Co-Founder and CEO of Mulga, that journey is personal. 

Describing his business as a "12-year overnight success story", Mr Clout reflected on building a software company from a spare bedroom after leaving a legal partnership, spending years refining the business before achieving significant growth.  

His message to founders was simple: 

"Just keep going. Just keep creating value."  

Mr Clout said founders must focus on solving real problems and building strong routes to market.

"It is easier than ever to create a company and create technology,” he said.  

“There are not more problems, but there are many more solutions, so it much harder to differentiate and create value 

"Distribution is king. Your go-to-market strategy is more important than it ever was."  

That focus on execution was echoed by investors, who challenged founders to think beyond technology and concentrate on growth, customer value and the ability to scale.  

During investor discussions, panellists stressed that attracting capital requires more than a strong idea. Founders must demonstrate conviction, understand the problem they are solving and show how their business can create meaningful value at scale.  

SunCoast Angels President Steve Barnes summarised the reality facing early-stage ventures. 

“In the end it has to give me a return or I am no longer an investor. If it doesn't make money, then that's philanthropy,” he said.   

UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President Helen Bartlett said collaboration between researchers, founders, investors and industry would be critical to generating the next wave of innovation-led growth. 

"As a university deeply embedded in its community, UniSC has an important role in ensuring that those with great ideas from our region can access the expertise, networks and investment needed to grow."  

As Queensland pursues growth in sectors including artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, health technologies, autonomous systems and quantum technologies, speakers agreed that future success will depend not only on innovation, but on building the businesses, partnerships and investment pathways that allow that innovation to reach the world.  

Capital Coast was hosted by the UniSC and supported by the Queensland Government through the Innovation Events Fund.  

Capital Coast in numbers 

• 300+ registrations  
• 150+ start up registrations  
• 30+ venture capital firms and investment groups
• $15.4 billion in represented capital
• 150+ curated investor meetings