The opening of the AI Hackathon 2025 at the University of the South Pacific in Suva saw a convergence of industry leaders, students, and innovators, all united by a shared vision for Fiji’s digital future.
Organised in partnership with Honeywell Aerospace, Tata Consultancy Services, Pacific Technologies and the university, the event aims to challenge young professionals to solve real-world problems with artificial intelligence.
Investment Fiji chief executive officer Kamal Chetty emphasised the significance of global companies investing in local talent.
“Fiji has a place in the future of global innovation,” Mr Chetty said, commending the hackathon’s focus on practical AI solutions for sectors like aviation, tourism, and agriculture.
He urged participants to see the event not just as a competition but as a pathway to meaningful careers.
“Your role is to build something useful, something that could scale, create jobs, or become a start-up.
“So, believe this, world-class innovation does not only come from big countries. It comes from people who are curious, disciplined, and willing to solve real problems. And that can happen right here, starting today.
“I urge all the participants to take this opportunity as your chance to experiment boldly and use this platform to model solutions that solve real problems for real businesses. Whether your idea stays a concept today or evolves into a start-up tomorrow, this is how innovation begins.”
Honeywell Aerospace technologies IT senior director Nazia Taylor urged participants to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and support each other, asserting that innovation came from perseverance and teamwork.
“Today is the beginning of a story, one that we are writing together. But I want to be clear, this event is not about who can code the fastest or create the fanciest interface, this hackathon is about problem solving,” Ms Taylor said.
“It is about understanding real–world challenges, thinking critically, collaborating across backgrounds and building solutions that matter.
“The future is not something we wait for. The future is something we make.”
Both speakers inspired attendees to think boldly and seize the opportunity to position Fiji as a hub for ICT and AI innovation.
As the hackathon began, the atmosphere was charged with optimism and determination to shape a brighter digital future for Fiji and the Pacific.
