Students and industry professionals are gaining valuable hands-on experience in artificial intelligence through a four-day AI Hackathon hosted at The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Laucala Campus in Fiji.
Working closely with engineers and data specialists from Honeywell Aerospace, Tata Consultancy Services and Pacific Technologies, participants are learning key industry processes including teamwork methodologies, solution design, testing, deployment and pitching AI-driven solutions to stakeholders.
The hackathon is designed to provide participants with practical exposure to how artificial intelligence solutions are developed, tested and applied in real-world industry settings.
It offers a safe, collaborative environment for students to experiment, solve problems and learn directly from industry professionals skills that are often not covered in traditional classroom settings.
Open to high school students, university students, recent graduates and IT professionals, the hackathon brought together participants from diverse backgrounds to tackle a real-world AI use case.
USP computer science student Trishaal Dutt said the hackathon provided rare exposure to industry-level problem solving.
“This was the first time I truly understood how AI solutions are built, from concept to deployment. Working alongside industry experts pushed us to think beyond theory and apply what we’ve learned in class to real-world challenges. The experience has boosted my confidence and showed me what’s possible for students from the Pacific in the global tech space,” Dutt said.
Team Rawrr – made up of USP students Toni Nam, Shreshtha Sharma, George Fong, Akash Mishra, Ravinesh Narayan and Gwen Mar – said the hackathon experience reinforced the importance of collaboration in solving complex technological challenges.
“Challenges will always arise when working with advanced technologies like AI, but the key lesson we’ve learned is that solutions come faster and stronger when you work through them together,” the team said.
“By combining different skills, perspectives and ideas, we were able to push boundaries, support one another and grow not just as individuals, but as a team of aspiring tech professionals.”
Director of Data Science and Business Transformation at Honeywell Aerospace, Shawn McKay, said artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly critical in the global aviation sector.
“AI is playing a major role in areas such as predictive maintenance, operational efficiency and improving aircraft safety. Events like this show that Fijian talent has the capability to contribute meaningfully to this growing field,” McKay said.
He added that the hackathon also provides valuable insights for industry and education partners alike.
“It allows industry partners to identify emerging talent early, while also helping universities understand gaps in digital and AI readiness, ensuring graduates are equipped with future-focused skills.”
Honeywell Aerospace said the initiative reflects its commitment to bringing global aerospace expertise to Fiji while creating pathways for students interested in careers in aviation, information technology and artificial intelligence.
Paul Johnson, IT Business Partner at Tata Consultancy Services, praised the quality and engagement of the participants.
“We have been genuinely impressed by the students not just their technical ability, but their curiosity, collaborative mindset and the smart questions they are asking,” Johnson said.
“There is a strong culture of teamwork here, and it is clear that the quality of education the students are receiving is producing talent that can think critically, adapt quickly and contribute effectively in real-world technology environments.”
The AI Hackathon highlights USP’s continued commitment to industry engagement and future-ready education, while strengthening partnerships between global technology leaders and the Pacific region.
With enrolment for Semester 1, 2026 now open, USP continues to equip students with future-ready skills through industry-aligned initiatives such as the AI Hackathon.
Apply now via www.usp.ac.fj/apply.