Festival aims to position Cairns as destination for innovation and investment

Council has reaffirmed its support for the Tropical Innovation Festival (TIF) with a commitment of up to $200,000 over the next four years.

Established in 2021, the annual event showcases global and local entrepreneurship and technology and aims to position the city as a destination for innovation and investment.

The five-day program engages with a national and international audience, promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in Cairns, and bring together investors, startups, and innovative small to medium businesses.

There are plans to grow the event in the future, which earlier this year attracted 1,374 attendees, including 466 visitors to Cairns, with an expanded eight-day program and increased out-of-region visitation.

Council today endorsed a four-year sponsorship agreement of $50,000 per annum, with an initial term of three years (2026 to 2028), with a one-year option exercisable at Council’s discretion (2029).