Queensland’s peak real estate body has signed a formal agreement with a United States-based technology venture fund to boost property technology development in the state and across Australia.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) and Second Century Ventures (SCV) announced the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday. SCV is backed by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) and holds a portfolio of more than 375 companies worldwide.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will work together to identify, fund, and support startups operating at the intersection of real estate and technology, according to a news release. SCV will contribute global research and access to emerging technologies through its REACH Australia and New Zealand team, while the REIQ will provide local market intelligence, industry engagement, and policy advocacy.
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella (pictured, left) said Queensland stood to benefit significantly from the deal.
“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,” Mercorella said.
She said the housing sector faced mounting pressure across all levels of government.
“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,” she said.
“This collaboration with Second Century Ventures gives us a practical pathway to identify and explore solutions that support a strong and sustainable housing system.”
SCV managing partners Dave Garland (pictured, right) and Tyler Thompson described the partnership as a formal signal of the fund’s commitment to the Queensland market.
“The REIQ brings progressive leadership, strong practitioner engagement, and meaningful influence with government – all essential ingredients for real estate technology to scale successfully,” Garland said.
“We see Queensland as a market with both urgency and opportunity, and we want the global innovation community to view this partnership as a clear invitation to collaborate, test, and grow.”
The MoU builds on an existing relationship between the two organisations, the news release noted. The REIQ has previously supported the REACH Australia scale-up program, providing mentorship and industry guidance to early-stage technology founders.
The REIQ also launched its own innovation conference, LIFT, in 2025. The next edition, LIFT 2026, is scheduled for 14-15 July 2026 in Queensland.
SCV operates the REACH accelerator program across the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Latin America, and the Middle East.
