Intellectual property (IP) will be owned by QUT, but Microsoft will be granted a license to commercialize any IP generated.

Microsoft Research Asia's university relations manager, John Warren said the new lab represents the next chapter in a six-year relationship between QUT and Microsoft.

"By establishing the new eResearch lab together, we can leverage each other's strengths to achieve better outcomes, both in terms of innovation and in generating greater economic benefits for the state," Warren said. "In providing this grant, one of Microsoft's main aims is to encourage research and development and to help Queensland embed a culture of innovation that will lay the groundwork for the state as a leading knowledge economy."

Microsoft claims to have provided about A$6 million in grants and resources over the past four years to help Queensland establish itself as an innovative state.