The City of Moreton Bay and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) have teamed up on a competition offering one high-growth business a rent-free headquarters for five years inside the Moreton Bay innovation precinct.
Dubbed the “Ultimate HQ“, the prize has a total value of over $1 million and includes 5-years free rent, a $250,000 fit-out, and ecosystem support.
An expert judging panel from City of Moreton Bay, UniSC and partners including BDO, Constant Contact, K&L Gates, Telstra and Westpac will assess entries across sectors such as food and agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, sport and broader innovation.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often,” said City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery.
“Council and the university are proactively removing the financial handbrake to give an innovative scale-up business the opportunity to build, experiment, and grow in City of Moreton Bay, Australia’s third largest local government by population.”
Five finalists will head to the region in February 2026 for an “Innovation Safari” immersion week before a gala pitch decides the winner.
“Businesses can tap into our community of researchers and educators while connecting with, and fostering, new graduates,” said UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett.
“With Moreton Bay’s population projected to increase to 690,000 by 2041, UniSC will play a key role in supporting rapid workforce development by building the skills that businesses need across key areas such as engineering, information and communications, science, early childhood and aged
care.”
For founders weighing a Queensland base, the region has been lifting its startup profile with new facilities and programs, including the UniSC-council Launch Pad and Innovate Moreton Bay’s network initiatives.
Entries are open now and close on 14 November, 2025.
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