Global finalists announced for $1 million Ultimate HQ prize in Moreton Bay

Five international scale-up businesses have been shortlisted for the City of Moreton Bay’s $1 million Ultimate HQ competition, bringing global attention to the region’s growing innovation and investment ecosystem.

The finalists, from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, will take part in an Investor Safari in February 2026, connecting with local business leaders and the University of the Sunshine Coast at UniSC Moreton Bay.

Combined, entries represent the potential for more than $500 million in capital investment and around 1,000 jobs, highlighting the scale of economic opportunity the initiative aims to attract to the City of Moreton Bay.

The Ultimate HQ competition is a collaborative initiative between the City of Moreton Bay and the University of the Sunshine Coast, designed to embed a high-potential scale-up business within the city’s innovation ecosystem, while fostering industry–research collaboration and creating high-value local jobs close to where people live.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the calibre of entries demonstrated growing international confidence in the City of Moreton Bay as an investment destination.

“The calibre and international breadth of entries is a clear signal that City of Moreton Bay is being noticed for doing things differently and backing scale-ups with real, practical support,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Frankly, I’m not surprised that entrepreneurs want to be part of the opportunity City of Moreton Bay offers. We have the assets, partners and momentum to help great companies become bigger, bolder and brighter.

“This innovative competition aligns with our vision to significantly increase the density of local high-value jobs and accelerate innovation to build a stronger, smarter economy.”

What the winner will receive

In addition to five years of rent-free headquarters space with fit-out support, the Ultimate HQ winner will also be based within the UniSC Moreton Bay campus, providing access to researchers, facilities and emerging talent.

UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said the winning business would benefit from close collaboration with the university.

“By being based at our Moreton Bay campus, the winning business will have access to researchers and experts, plus facilities to help with business development and innovation, while our students will also benefit from the opportunity to network with industry and learn about employment opportunities,” Professor Bartlett said.

The five shortlisted finalists

The finalists selected to progress to the next stage of the competition are:

• One Model – a people analytics platform designed to help companies better understand their workforce

• GN Corporation – a Canadian advanced manufacturer specialising in high-precision robotics and automation

• Future Maintenance Technologies – an autonomous technology business providing AI-powered robots for railway and aviation maintenance

• Pultron Composites – a New Zealand-based advanced manufacturer specialising in fibre-reinforced polymer products

• Motorola Solutions – a global technology company that builds and connects technologies to help protect people, property and places

Finalists will take part in a curated Investor Safari in February, before pitching at a gala event where the overall winner will be announced.

The Ultimate HQ winner will be revealed on 27 February 2026.

Moreton Daily will continue to follow the competition as finalists visit the region and the winner is announced.