The hubs - in Gladstone, Toowoomba and Cairns - will run a range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related activities.

Part of the government's Partner Up Queensland Regional Science and Innovation Network, the hubs will receive up to $70,000 funding each over 12 months to employ a regional coordinator to support events, activities and projects.

Regional development minister Glenn Butcher, science minister Meaghan Scanlon and innovation minister Stirling Hinchliffe opened the Gladstone hub this week, while the Far North Queensland hub in Cairns is due to open in June.

Butcher said the Gladstone hub would be led by local science and innovation champions within the community.

"This is about giving mentoring, networking and collaboration opportunities; the engagement of youth in design, implementation, product pitching and entrepreneurship; and engagement with researchers, technologies experts, business and Indigenous mentors," he said.

"We really want to see how businesses, research organisations and industry can meet the changing scientific and innovation needs of the community."

Scanlon said survey results from the State of Science Index showed nine in 10 Australians backed more investment in science.

"The survey results also showed that during the pandemic, nearly two in three Australians thought that scientists and medical professionals are inspiring a new generation to pursue a science-based career," she said.

"Recent research commissioned by the office of the Queensland Chief Scientist showed that 83% of Queenslanders believe science is critical for the Queensland economy."

Hinchliffe said the hubs would help supercharge regional Queensland science and innovation.

"For local entrepreneurs and business leaders, the hubs aim to deliver support and partnerships to identify and develop real-world opportunities," he said.

"Whether it's robots, hydrogen or medical technology, we know science and innovation will be critical to building regional Queensland's industries and jobs of the future."   

Associate vice-president for the Central Queensland University Gladstone region Luke Sinclair said CQU's Gladstone Marina campus was well placed to deliver the initiative to the local community.

"We have developed strong relationships with industry and community and look forward to leveraging this to develop and implement new innovations that will benefit Gladstone and other areas in regional Queensland," he said.