Founder Delegation

Applications are open to Queensland innovators and ecosystem leaders, including:

• Startups and scaleups
• Entrepreneurs and founders
• Innovation-driven enterprises
• Researchers and research teams
• Investors
• Primary producers
• Ecosystem enablers and regional innovation leaders.

Successful applicants will be invited to attend Circular Futures NQ 2026 as part of the Team Queensland Regional Delegation, which includes:

• Summit tickets and access to the full program
• Travel and/or accommodation support (where required)
• Access to a delegation hospitality and networking space
• Opportunities to connect with investors, industry leaders, researchers and policymakers
• Opportunities to showcase your innovation and engage with the broader ecosystem.

Applications close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 March 2026.

Applications will be advised of the outcome by Smart Precinct NQ in April 2026.

To be considered for the Circular Futures Regional Delegation, applicants must:

• be an Innovation Driven Enterprise (IDE), startup, business, social enterprise, researcher, or ecosystem enabler headquartered in regional Queensland
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN) (does not apply to researchers affiliated with Queensland universities)
• have no more than 100 full-time equivalent employees, or not be a subsidiary of a group of companies that has more than 100 FTEs in total
• submit only one application per ABN

Applicants should also:

• be developing or supporting innovative solutions, technologies, or ventures aligned with circular economy, sustainability, climate resilience, or emerging industry opportunities
• demonstrate how participating in Circular Futures NQ – Innovation and Sustainability Summit will support the progression of their innovation, venture or initiative
• outline how attending the event will support collaboration, investment readiness, knowledge exchange, or ecosystem participation
• explain how their work contributes to strengthening Queensland’s regional innovation ecosystem

Applications will be assessed by the Smart Precinct NQ leadership team considering factors such as:

• business size and stage of development
• regional location
• industry representation and diversity
• alignment with the innovation themes of the summit

Smart Precinct NQ also encourages applications from priority cohorts, including female founders, First Nations innovators and diverse regional leaders, to ensure broad representation across Queensland’s innovation ecosystem.

We’d love you to attend as much of the summit as possible! When registering for tickets we’ll ask if you’re able to attend the following events:
12 May | Welcome Event | 5.30pm
13 May | Summit Day 1 Sessions | From 9am
13 May | Pitch Showcase | Evening
14 May | Summit Day 2 Sessions | From 9am

Due to the Summit being held across multiple venues, please email events@spnq.org to discuss specific requirements for accessibility.

Smart Precinct NQ Limited (SPNQ) collects personal information when you register for this event or program.

We collect this information to manage your registration, deliver the event or program, communicate with you, and meet reporting, evaluation and funding obligations. Providing some information is necessary to participate.

Some information collected may be sensitive personal information (such as cultural background or accessibility needs). This information is collected with your consent and only where relevant to program delivery, evaluation or reporting.

Our full Privacy Policy is available at: https://spnq.org/privacy-policy/

For enquiries contact info@spnq.org

Please be advised that photography and videography will take place throughout the summit. By registering for and attending this event, you acknowledge and consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. These images and recordings may be used for purposes including, but not limited to: event promotion, marketing, communications, reporting, social media, website content, publications, and future promotional materials related to the summit and Smart Precinct NQ

If you have any concerns or wish to opt out where possible, please speak with a member of the event staff upon arrival.

As a circular economy and sustainability-focused summit, we are committed to incorporating eco-friendly practices wherever possible. This includes the use of reusable coffee cups and water bottles instead of single-use options. We encourage attendees to support these efforts by bringing their own reusable items and making conscious choices throughout the event. Your participation helps us create a more sustainable future, thank you for your support!

In the spirit of the event and reducing unnecessary waste, we won’t be providing branded lanyards again at this year’s summit. Instead, this is your chance to dust off your favourite one and bring it with you. We all have that drawer or door handle full of leftover lanyards from past events! Let’s keep it fun and personal, we will have your printed name card ready to go!

Our friendly team is here to answer any questions. Please contact info@spnq.org