Aussie entrepreneurs to access expertise from China's start-ups through new program

SYDNEY - Australia's Queensland state government is providing local researchers and entrepreneurs access to expertise and investment opportunities in China through a new initiative.

The partnership between the state government and China's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) will see eight entrepreneurs and researchers being placed at China's leading science and technology incubators, Queensland state minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said in a statement on Thursday.

All eight will be the first receipts of a partnership known as Queensland Government's Commercialisation Partnership Program (CPP) between China's start-ups.

"This is a fantastic foot-in-the-door opportunity for Queensland entrepreneurs, whether they are a technology startup, established science-related business, or a Queensland researcher looking to commercialise their research," Enoch said.

"Successful applicants will have the opportunity to prototype, test, attract investment and commercialise innovative ideas at one of China's leading science and technology incubators."

"They will have access to world-class facilities, mentors and local business links, and receive invaluable insight into the Chinese market as well as the potential to secure capital to refine their concept and get their business up and running," she said.

Applications for the program will close on November 30 with successful recipients to be recommended by the Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation in consultation with MOST.