Funding of up to $200,000 for Queensland SMEs to commercialise innovative and new products or services that are at minimum viable product stage or beyond.
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What is the Ignite Ideas Fund (IIF)
The Ignite Ideas Fund is a Queensland Government initiative designed to support small to medium-sized, innovation-driven enterprises with high-growth potential. The program helps businesses commercialise innovative products, processes, or services that are ready to tap into new markets and attract investment.
Through financial assistance and additional business development support, the program aims to strengthen key industries, diversify the economy, create new jobs, and elevate Queensland’s position in the national and global innovation landscape.
The program follows a two-stage application process: first, submit an EOI; then, if selected, submit a Full Application.
Ignite Ideas Fund level of support
Two tiers of grant funding are available:
- Tier 1: Up to $100,000 for projects of up to 12 months.
- Tier 2: Greater than $100,000 and up to $200,000 for projects of up to 24 months.
Co-Contribution Requirements:
- Tier 1 Applicants: Must provide a cash contribution of at least 20% of the value of the funding sought.
- Tier 2 Applicants: Must provide a dollar-for-dollar cash contribution equal to the amount of funding sought, supported by an independent accountant’s declaration.
Ignite Ideas Fund important dates
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Applications Close: 3 June 2025 at 10:00AM (AEST).
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
Ignite Ideas Fund objectives
The Ignite Ideas Fund seeks to:
- Strengthen key industries in Queensland.
- Diversify the Queensland economy.
- Enable Queensland businesses to compete domestically and internationally.
- Engage and benefit regional Queensland.
- Create new jobs now and into the future.
Projects and expenditure eligible for Ignite Ideas Fund support
Eligible projects must:
- Relate to the commercialisation of an innovative product or service.
- Be based on an existing minimum viable product that is ready for market entry.
- Demonstrate scalability to meet industry or market demand.
- Present innovation through:
- Solving existing problems innovatively.
- Delivering new-to-world products or services.
- Offering unique technology applications.
- Innovating in an Indigenous context.
Preferred Focus Areas Include:
- Ecotourism development.
- Sustainable aviation.
- Housing solutions for regional tourism workforce.
- Waste reduction and recycling technologies.
- Protection of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Biodiversity management on private protected lands.
Ineligible Expenditures Include:
- Clinical trials.
- Development of a new business concept.
- Product or service enhancements for existing market offerings.
- Market entry for products already in the market.
- Capital works and infrastructure projects.
- Regulatory approval costs (FDA/TGA).
- Items of equipment over $10,000 each.
- General business operating expenses (e.g., rent, utilities, software).
- Costs associated with securing the grant (e.g., grant writing, bookkeeping).
- Travel costs not aligned to economy class, entertainment, and conference attendance fees.
See the guidelines for full details of projects and expenditure eligible and ineligible for IIF support.
Other Ignite Ideas Fund important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Ignite Ideas Fund support
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a business headquartered in Queensland.
- Have an ABN and be registered for GST at the Full Application stage.
- Employ no more than 50 full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees.
- Not be part of a larger group employing more than 50 FTEs.
- Not have received previous Ignite Ideas Fund grants for the same activity.
- Only submit one application per round, including related entities.
Specific Requirements:
- Tier 1 Applicants: Must not have previously received Ignite Ideas funding.
- Tier 2 Applicants: Must not have previously received a Tier 2 Ignite Ideas grant and must show successful completion of any past Tier 1 project.
Ignite Ideas Fund assessment criteria
Applications will be competitively assessed against the following six key criteria:
1. Innovation
- Clearly demonstrate the product or service’s uniqueness and innovation.
- Show understanding of the competitive landscape and differentiators.
- Confirm ownership or assignment of relevant intellectual property rights.
2. Market Potential
- Prove substantial market demand from identifiable customer segments.
- Demonstrate the scalability of market demand.
- Letters of support from customers will be considered.
3. Technology/Market Readiness
- Confirm the product or service is at, or beyond, the minimum viable product stage.
- Outline how the project will achieve market entry and revenue generation.
4. Project Viability
- Provide a detailed, realistic project plan including milestones, expenditure, and timelines.
- Demonstrate potential for increased sales and/or profitability.
- Identify key project risks and describe mitigation strategies.
5. Organisational Capability
- Show relevant technical and management expertise.
- Detail experience in delivering commercialisation projects.
- Include resumes of key project staff.
- Outline mentoring support where applicable.
6. Benefits to Queensland
- Explain how the project benefits Queensland industries and/or the wider community.
- Identify job creation outcomes both during and after project execution.
- Highlight potential regional benefits outside Brisbane.
Note: No weighting or percentage breakdown for the assessment criteria is specified in the official guidelines.
How do I get the Ignite Ideas Fund?
You should read and understand the guidelines.
You need to ensure you are eligible for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above will not be considered.
A successful applicant:
- will clearly define and quantify as far as possible the economic, social, regional and/or environmental benefits of their project.
- will gather evidence to substantiate matched funding and customer interest
- will demonstrate organisational readiness, planning and resources (people, technical, management and infrastructure) to successfully deliver the project in its entirety within the proposed project implementation timeline.
Information to prepare for the Ignite Ideas Fund application
Prepare the following documentation:
- Proof of minimum viable product status.
- Market research and/or letters of support.
- Intellectual property ownership documentation.
- Detailed project plan with key activities and timelines.
- Confirmed co-contribution evidence (especially for Tier 2 applications).
- Risk assessment documentation.
- Resumes for key project personnel.
Applying for the Ignite Ideas Fund
Applications are submitted online through the Advance Queensland portal at advance.qld.gov.au.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Ignite Ideas Fund resources
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