A major Japanese start-up has chosen Queensland for its base in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Terra Drone Corporation, Japan’s leading unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) provider, will set up an office in Brisbane’s River City Labs innovation precinct.

They will look to build on their already productive relationships with local businesses and academics.

The move follows Qld Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s trade mission to Japan late last year.

“Terra Drone were really excited about the Palaszczuk Government’s focus on innovation and decided that Queensland was the ideal place for a base in the Asia Pacific region,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Jackie Trad.

Ms Trad met with Terra Drone Corporation CEO Toru Tokushige during his recent visit to Brisbane.

Mr Tokushige’s 20 years’ experience in establishing start-ups, including in Silicon Valley, and success with disruptive technologies has earned him a reputation as the ‘Elon Musk’ of Japan.

Shareholders in Terra Drone including former CEOs of Sony, Apple Japan and Google Japan.

Support for innovation

Ms Trad said Mr Tokushige was enthusiastic about Queensland’s drone-friendly policy framework as well as the support for innovation, entrepreneurship and growth through its Advance Queensland policy.

“Collaborations with international companies like Terra Drone will further drive innovation and create jobs in Queensland in industries like mining and agriculture but also in traffic management, infrastructure and healthcare,” Ms Trad said.

Mr Tokushige attended an Infrastructure Investment Seminar in Tokyo during the Premier’s trade mission and has since visited Queensland several times to explore collaboration opportunities.

“After visiting numerous countries, Terra Drone Corporation was very happy to select Queensland,” Mr Tokushie said.

“We are bringing our cutting edge and innovative technology to Queensland and are looking to expand our business to a broader global market.”