The AI Hackathon 2025 has officially commenced at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, gathering a vibrant mix of industry leaders, students, and innovators all eager to contribute to the evolution of Fiji’s digital landscape. This dynamic event, held in collaboration with major organizations like Honeywell Aerospace, Tata Consultancy Services, and Pacific Technologies, invites participants to develop real-world solutions through the innovative use of artificial intelligence.
Kamal Chetty, the CEO of Investment Fiji, emphasized the necessity for global enterprises to engage with local talent. He highlighted Fiji’s potential to play a crucial role in global innovation, particularly through initiatives such as the hackathon that focus on practical AI applications in vital sectors including aviation, tourism, and agriculture. Chetty encouraged attendees to perceive the hackathon not just as a contest, but as a significant opportunity to launch meaningful careers.
“Your role is to build something useful, something that could scale, create jobs, or become a startup,” Chetty remarked, pointing out that innovation can emerge from smaller nations and driven individuals eager to address real problems.
Nazia Taylor, IT Senior Director at Honeywell Aerospace, reinforced the importance of embracing challenges and learning from failures. She noted the hackathon’s focus on addressing real-world issues rather than just on coding speed or design aesthetics. “This event is not about who can code the fastest or create the fanciest interface; it’s about understanding real-world challenges and generating solutions that truly matter,” Taylor stated.
Both Chetty and Taylor have inspired participants to think big and leverage this opportunity to establish Fiji as a growing hub for information and communication technology (ICT) and artificial intelligence (AI) innovation. As the event progresses, the atmosphere is charged with optimism and determination, signaling the start of a promising chapter in Fiji’s digital future and its expanding role in the Pacific region. This hackathon represents a proactive step toward cultivating an innovative culture that could benefit local economies and empower future generations.