Microsoft Research General Manager Kevin Schofield said the announcement signified a further strengthening of Microsoft's relationship with QUT.

"We look worldwide for our partners and QUT offered a great combination of focus, researchers and ability in this area of research," Schofield said.

The center will be funded over three years by A$900,000 from the Queensland Smart State Innovation fund (National and International Research Alliances Program), A$600,000 from Microsoft and A$900,000 in cash and kind from QUT.

"The lab will lead to even more research and development in Queensland and increased training opportunities," Professor Roe said.

"Relying on QUT's real-world research in data visualization, machine learning, collaborative systems and programming languages, the lab will result in advances in scientific discovery which will translate to advances in the health, well-being and economic prosperity of Queensland."