About Us
Overview
Established in 2019, Smart Precinct NQ is a not-for-profit organisation that provides a space for businesses and entrepreneurs physically, online and as a network to learn and grow.
We provide a range of services and programs to support businesses depending on where they are in their journey from start-up accelerators and incubator programs, business growth advisory services, investment support, events and supporting with communities to develop opportunities and skills.
We bring together a range of stakeholders to provide a positive impact to North Queensland Founders, Entrepreneurs, Investors, Industry, and the wider Business Community.
Our purpose is to create a vibrant ecosystem where innovation and business can thrive. As the saying goes, we believe that if you want to go fast – you go alone, but if you want to go far, we need to go together.
We work passionately to create a vibrant ecosystem of high growth companies that are globally competitive and based in North Queensland Australia and making Townsville and North Queensland a Great place to start and grow a business.
Smart Precinct is a registered social enterprise and a signatory to the Queensland Small Business Commissioners Small Business Friendly Charter. Founding members include the North Queensland Regional Operation of Councils and James Cook University.
Strategic Focus
- Build and strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem and economy.
- Develop a resilient and adaptable small business community
- Increase regional start-up formation and business growth (and capability);
- Support industry in solving their significant challenges; and
- Attract high growth business to North Queensland and attract experienced investment funds to NQ.

Education and Connections

Start-up and Incubation

Business Resilience

High Growth Business

Critical Industry Innovation
Our People
The power behind Smart Precinct NQ is the calibre of its people. The organisation is supported by a high calibre team of business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals with extensive connections and collaborations, business experience and professional expertise.

Cassandra Cazzulino
Chief Executive Officer

Lucy Royes
Finance and Operations

Dr Lydia Canovas-Saiz
Business & Investment Lead

Caitlin Midson
Office Manager

Shelley Grainger
Business Advisor

Megan Colwell
Business Advisor

Suz Cardy
Marketing & Communications

Eliza Lovell
Smart Hub Burdekin Lead
Our Board

Stuart King (Chair)
Director - Fierce Ventures

Cr Mayor Jenny Hill
Mayor of Townsville City Council

Professor Simon Biggs
Vice Chancellor James Cook University

Mark Horn
Director of Strategic Development Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia - Cubic

Matt Thomson
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Group Partner Carey Group

Tristan Davey
Director of Software Engineering - RANlytics, and Chairman - DevNQ

Suzy Wilson
General Manager Townsville Bulletin

Ian Atkinson
Professor of eResearch - JCU

Ian Smythe
Dean at Aviation Australia Riyadh College

Matt Steine
Chief Strategy Advisor
Founding Members


Affiliations and Associations


