Council is pushing for its region to be considered as a site for a future technology incubator. Council recently had discussions with Steve Copplin, Chief Executive Officer of i.lab (Queensland’s technology incubator) to assess Thuringowa as a potential location for a technology incubator.
An incubator is designed to provide a physical environment for start up companies that would not ordinarily have access to the resources needed for initial growth due to set up and other costs associated with high technology companies.
i.lab was established in 2000 and is sponsored by the Queensland Government, supporting its Smart State strategy. Its purpose is to facilitate the development of high technology industries in Queensland by bringing investors and entrepreneurs together.
It does this by nurturing start up IT or technology businesses over their first two years – often the most difficult time.
Mayor Les Tyrell said such companies were selected on their likely contribution to the State in terms of jobs, export growth, investment attraction and innovation.
“The discussions with Steve Copplin are linked to Council’s economic development plan, which focuses on the establishment and development of new knowledge/information industries in the City of Thuringowa,” Councillor Tyrell said. “I think Thuringowa is the perfect location. As a city we should be very excited about this as the potential long term benefits, in terms of creating jobs and driving growth in the economy is endless. This is all part of our continuing efforts to support promising businesses in the city.”
