Start-ups are the centre of Malcolm Turnbull's economic plan, but sporting facilities in at-risk electorates are getting a better deal from the coalition's election promises.
Australian start-ups have been promised $15.4 million while sporting facilities are getting $18.5 million.
At the higher end of spending pledges, $150 million has been set aside to get the ball rolling on Queensland dams.
The start-up pledge is on top of $8 million the government announced for incubators and accelerators in its innovation statement six months ago, which industry stakeholders say left them underfunded.
Industry group Startup Aus is a $350,000 beneficiary of coalition promises, a contribution it describes as modest and a good start.
"We've been told for some time that the series of policies announced by both sides last year was just the beginning, so we'd like to see both sides do more in this election campaign," chief executive Alex McCauley said in a statement.
Adam Mostogl, who was named 2015 Tasmanian of the Year for his work on regional innovation and who has provided entrepreneurial workshops to 1600 young Tasmanians, agrees the rhetoric has been stronger than funding commitments.
"There is still some work to go there," he said.
Mr Mostogl is also concerned innovation money is going into one basket.
More could be done to help those in regional areas and in the agriculture and tourism sectors so they could jump the first hurdles to make ideas a reality.
"People have ideas. We need to support them better ... and feel confident going down that pathway is as valid as any other career," he said.
Labor has a plan for $30 million in funding over four years for regional and metro projects.
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