Peak body forms strategic partnership to propel tech innovation in real estate

Queensland’s peak body for real estate professionals has entered a landmark strategic partnership with the world’s most active real estate technology venture fund, strengthening the state’s position as a centre for property technology innovation.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Second Century Ventures (SCV) – a global leader in real estate technology investment, backed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), with a portfolio of over 375 companies worldwide.

Under the agreement, the REIQ and SCV will work together to identify, fund, and support innovative startups at the intersection of real estate and technology, with a shared focus on advancing the real estate tech innovation ecosystem in Queensland and Australia.

SCV will bring global insights, research, and access to emerging technologies drawn from its international portfolio, with leadership from its REACH Australia and New Zealand team, while the REIQ will provide deep local market intelligence, practitioner engagement, and policy advocacy to help innovation translate into real-world outcomes.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the partnership sent a strong signal to the global proptech community that Queensland is open to ideas, investment and collaboration.

“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,” Ms Mercorella said.

“Queensland real estate has experienced significant change in recent years, bringing increasingly complex challenges for industry, consumers and government.

“Around the world, proptech innovations are reshaping how cities are designed, built and managed, and we have an opportunity to do the same here in Queensland.

“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.

“This collaboration with Second Century Ventures gives us a practical pathway to identify and explore solutions that support a strong and sustainable housing system.”

Managing Partners of Second Century Ventures and REACH, Dave Garland and Tyler Thompson, said the partnership formalised SCV as a strategic innovation partner within the fast‑growing Queensland real estate economy.

“The REIQ brings progressive leadership, strong practitioner engagement and meaningful influence with government - all essential ingredients for real estate technology to scale successfully,” Mr 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.”

A longstanding champion of innovation

This partnership builds on the REIQ’s long history of championing innovation and supporting Australian proptech founders to develop solutions aligned with the needs of real estate professionals.

SCV is also the operator of the global REACH real estate tech accelerator, with programs across the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Latin America and the Middle East.  In recent years, the REIQ has actively supported the Australian REACH scale-up program providing mentorship, industry insight and practical guidance to the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs to refine their concepts and accelerate adoption.

In 2025, the REIQ also launched LIFT, its innovation conference blending practical real estate education with emerging technology showcases. LIFT 2026 will be held on 14-15 July 2026.

Ms Mercorella also serves on the Board of PropTech CoLab, an independent platform focused on advancing property technology across Australia and New Zealand.

ENDS

About the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ)

Held in high regard as one of Australia’s most progressive and effective peak bodies representing real estate professionals, the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has been a pivotal force in the sector for more than a century. The REIQ influences government policy direction, delivers award-winning educational programs, training and events, and sets best practice industry standards. The REIQ exists to support member agencies with expert advice, products and resources that complement their business practices which, in turn, ensures professional service for the public across the State.

About Second Century Ventures & REACH

Second Century Ventures (SCV) is the most active global venture fund in real estate technology. Backed by the National Association of REALTORS®, SCV leverages the support of a global community of real estate practitioners, including owners, operators, developers, brokers and industry executives to help technology companies scale. SCV operates REACH, the number one real estate scale‑up program, with operations across the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Latin America, and the Middle East.

About the National Association of Realtors®

The National Association of Realtors® is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes – from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation – visit facts.realtor.

Media enquiries:
Claire Ryan, Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager, The Real Estate Institute of Queensland
M: 0417 623 723 E: media@reiq.com.au

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