Deadline Date: June 03, 2026
The Private Sector Pathways Program is a Queensland government initiative designed to foster collaboration between SMEs and large organisations to develop innovative commercial solutions and business opportunities.
The Focus areas, include SME–corporate partnerships, problem-solving through innovation, commercialisation opportunities, technology adoption, procurement and supply chain diversification, co-funding support, pilot testing of solutions, and improved operational efficiency.
The program aims to strengthen partnerships between small-to-medium enterprises and corporate or large organisations in Queensland. It focuses on solving real business challenges while creating new commercial opportunities within the state.
Corporates and large organisations benefit from early exposure to innovative technologies developed by local SMEs. The program also helps them address internal challenges using homegrown solutions that can improve efficiency and performance.
Another key benefit is the diversification of procurement and supply chains by engaging with a broader range of innovative Queensland-based businesses. This encourages resilience and innovation in sourcing and operations.
The program also supports co-funding arrangements, helping reduce risk for both corporates and SMEs while accelerating the adoption of new technologies and improved business processes.
Under the program structure, corporates define a specific business challenge and invite SMEs to propose solutions. Selected SMEs may receive co-funding of up to 200,000 dollars from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation alongside corporate partners.
The funding supports pilot projects that typically run for six to twelve months, allowing SMEs to test and demonstrate their solutions in real-world business environments.
To be eligible, applicants must be Queensland-based SMEs with an active Queensland-registered ABN, and the project must be delivered within the state. Businesses that have previously held commercial contracts with participating corporates are not eligible, as the program focuses on new partnerships.
The program is intended for SMEs with fewer than 200 full-time equivalent employees. Research organisations and university-based researchers are not eligible unless their solutions are already market-ready, as the program prioritises commercial applications over ongoing research development.
For more information, visit Queensland Government.
