Global start-ups to relocate to Rocky’s Smart Hub

Published on 26 July 2017

Start-ups from Silicon Valley could make Rockhampton their new home with the Smart Hub being chosen as one of the State’s preferred locations to host international entrepreneurs.   

The State Government’s new ‘Hot DesQ’ program is designed to see start-ups from across the globe relocate their business to innovative cities in Queensland in order to help accelerate the state’s start-up ecosystem.

Rockhampton Regional Council’s concerted efforts to embrace the start-up culture have put the city on the map to become a ‘Hot DesQ’ location for round two of the program.

Mayor Margaret Strelow said she couldn’t be more proud of the Smart Hub’s successful submission and its continued achievements since it opened its doors early last year.

“We have been on this incredible journey over the past year where we have been getting recognition on a larger innovation ecosystem for the remarkable things we are doing in the start-up space,” Mayor Strelow said.

“To be named as one of the Hot DesQ locations means that we will have the opportunity to host start-ups for six months and during that time they can infest our existing Smart Hub entrepreneurs with their experience and knowledge.

“The end goal is to then see these startup businesses stay in Rockhampton.”

In round one of the Hot DesQ program, 25 companies from around the world and Australia were awarded funding of $50,000 to $100,000 to relocate their business to the state. Ten have already completed their six month term with nine of those opting to keep their businesses based in the Queensland.  

Council’s Corporate Services Manager Drew Stevenson said Rockhampton is the right environment for new ideas and opportunities to thrive with its access to agriculture and mining and its close relationship with Asia.

“Not only will the start-ups have the opportunity to work in a brand new space in our beautiful Customs House, but they can also leverage from our strong connections with China, Singapore and South Korea,” he said.

“To people who do business in a different way, 25 start-ups may just seem like only a handful of people, but this is a style of doing business. The entrepreneurial frame of mind is one that we need to infect the rest of our community and businesses with.

“It follows that disruptive change model whereby things are being done in new ways, and we can either join the journey or be left behind, but change is inevitable and it’s important for us to have a go and make new opportunities for our community.”