Minister for Science and Innovation Leeanne Enoch said the event this weekend at the Central Queensland University will be an opportunity for students, business people and anyone with an innovative idea to develop their business model further with support from local experts and industry mentors.

In Mackay as part of a state tour to engage communities in the Queensland Government’s $180 million Advance Queensland initiative, Enoch said the program aimed to create knowledge-based jobs for the future and position Queensland as an attractive investment destination with a strong innovation and entrepreneurial culture.

“It is a comprehensive suite of programs that will help bridge the gap between great ideas and commercial outcomes by tapping into existing knowledge and creativity, as well as driving a path for new research and innovation,” she said.

"Advance Queensland will help position Queensland as a place where entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, startups, universities, industry and government work collaboratively to translate great ideas into commercial opportunities.

State Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert has welcomed the series of Advance Queensland regional events.

“The Palaszczuk Government is bringing together representatives from these sectors to start the discussion about how collaborative opportunities can create new products and services,” Gilbert said.

“The Mackay region looks forward to increased productivity, investment and highly skilled jobs for future generations.”