THE Fiji Innovation Hub has hosted a national Hackathon, marking a significant milestone in Fiji’s growing digital and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
The 36-hour innovation sprint connected 60 innovators, entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts from across the country and abroad. They included participants from Matuku in Lau, Nakelo in Tailevu, Wainadoi in Navua, Nadi, Lautoka and Australia.
A total of 13 teams competed under three key themes: Fintech, Sustainability and Ease of Doing Business, developing practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Following an intense round of pitching, six teams were awarded prizes totalling $15,000 from a prize pool sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, HFC Bank, and Mastercard.
The winners, each received $FJD3000 and the runners up each took home $2000.
Launching the event, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Ariff Ali, described the Hackathon as an investment in Fiji’s future.
“This hackathon is more than just a competition. I see this as an investment in our future. It is a signal that we believe in our people. And it is proof that the next chapter of our economy can be written by the minds right here in our country,” Ali said.
Counsellor for Economic and Development Cooperation at the Australian High Commission, Andrew Shepherd, said the initiative aligns with Australia’s elevated Vuvale Partnership with Fiji and its commitment to digital transformation and inclusive growth.
The Hackathon was supported by partners including the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, Fiji Airways, and the implementation partner Creative HQ.
New Zealand High Commissioner Greg Andrews, said hackathons foster resilience, teamwork and creativity, and reaffirmed New Zealand’s commitment to supporting Fiji’s digital growth.
UNDP Team Leader for Inclusive Growth, Patrick Tuimalielifano, said the initiative demonstrates the power of partnership in strengthening the innovation ecosystem and advancing financial inclusion and sustainable growth.
The Fiji Innovation Hub will next launch its 2026 Accelerator Programme from April 27 to June 26 when six selected startups will refine their concepts into Minimum Viable Products, ready for scaling and investment.
Source: Reserve Bank of Fiji