I don't know if the parameter works but the location of it determines whether or not it breaks the map on game load.  The examples I have are "broken"--don't work.

When I copy the format of previous maps to use in a new map, the map doesn't load on game start and the game dumps.  It isn't a template just one of the planet parameters and I do most of the editing in notepad and always finalize a map in it.  I have taken the entry from an older map and duplicated it in my own and it isn't functioning--game dumps on load.

If you can refer me to a map that is functional for you with the parameter I'm happy to try it.

From Voruk's Labyrinth

template
    templateName "Labs"
    subTemplates 0
    groups 3
    group
        condition
            type "PlanetOwnerIsRaceQuickStart"
            param "Tech"
        owner "PlanetOwner"
        colonizeChance 0.000000
        items 5
        item "Tech:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Tech:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Tech:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Tech:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Tech:Module:NonCombatLab"
    group
        condition
            type "PlanetOwnerIsRaceQuickStart"
            param "Psi"
        owner "PlanetOwner"
        colonizeChance 0.000000
        items 5
        item "Psi:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Psi:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Psi:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Psi:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Psi:Module:NonCombatLab"
    group
        condition
            type "PlanetOwnerIsRaceQuickStart"
            param "Phase"
        owner "PlanetOwner"
        colonizeChance 0.000000
        items 5
        item "Phase:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Phase:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Phase:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Phase:Module:NonCombatLab"
        item "Phase:Module:NonCombatLab"

I don't know why the type now has QuickStart at the end (might only be for Entrenchment/Diplomacy), but might be the problem.