The top body representing real estate professionals in Queensland has formed a major partnership with a leading global venture fund to establish the state as a core hub for property technology.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Second Century Ventures (SCV). Backed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), SCV holds an international portfolio containing more than 375 companies. Under the new agreement, both organizations will find, fund and support new startup businesses working with real estate technology across Queensland and the rest of Australia.

The international venture fund intends to share global market research and access to new technologies through its REACH Australia and New Zealand team. In return, the REIQ will supply local market data, member engagement and policy work to help turn these digital concepts into practical industry tools.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella stated that the partnership signals to international tech firms that Queensland is ready for new ideas and financial investment. Ms. Mercorella added that the local market faces complex challenges due to regulatory updates, supply shortages and steady growth.

“Our vision is for Queensland to be the epicentre of proptech in Australia – and as a market experiencing sustained growth, supply pressure, and regulatory reform, we have much to gain from innovation,” Ms. Mercorella said.

“Around the world, proptech innovations are reshaping how cities are designed, built and managed, and we have an opportunity to do the same here in Queensland. We believe proptech innovation has an important role to play in helping address some of the wicked housing problems we face in Australia at all levels of Government.”

Dave Garland and Tyler Thompson, Managing Partners of Second Century Ventures and REACH, noted that the deal establishes SCV as a key innovation partner in the local economy. Mr. Garland described the region as a market filled with urgency and fresh opportunities.

“The REIQ brings progressive leadership, strong practitioner engagement and meaningful influence with government – all essential ingredients for real estate technology to scale successfully,” Mr. Garland said.

The alliance builds on a long history of tech initiatives by the REIQ. The institute has consistently backed local founders and helped guide entrepreneurs through the Australian REACH accelerator program. In 2025, the REIQ launched its own dedicated innovation conference called LIFT. The next event, LIFT 2026, is scheduled to take place between 14 and 15 July 2026. Ms. Mercorella also holds a position on the board of PropTech CoLab, an independent group working to progress property technology throughout Australia and New Zealand.