The AI Hackathon 2025 kicked off at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, bringing together a diverse group of industry leaders, students, and innovators united by a commitment to shaping Fiji’s digital landscape. This exciting event, organized in collaboration with Honeywell Aerospace, Tata Consultancy Services, and Pacific Technologies, is designed to challenge young minds to devise practical solutions for real-world problems using artificial intelligence.
Kamal Chetty, the chief executive officer of Investment Fiji, highlighted the importance of global companies investing in local talent, asserting that Fiji has a significant role to play in the future of global innovation. Chetty praised the hackathon for focusing on practical AI applications in key sectors such as aviation, tourism, and agriculture. He encouraged participants to view the event not merely as a competition, but as a vital stepping stone towards meaningful careers.
“Your role is to build something useful, something that could scale, create jobs, or become a startup,” Chetty stated. “World-class innovation does not only come from large countries; it emerges from curious, disciplined individuals who are eager to tackle real issues.”
He urged participants to seize this opportunity to experiment boldly, reminding them that whether their ideas remain concepts or evolve into startups, innovation often begins with the willingness to explore.
Nazia Taylor, IT senior director at Honeywell Aerospace, echoed this sentiment by encouraging attendees to embrace challenges and learn from setbacks. She stressed that the essence of the hackathon lies in problem-solving, stating, “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.”
Both Chetty and Taylor inspired the audience to think ambitiously and utilize this event to position Fiji as a burgeoning hub for ICT and AI innovation. As participants embarked on their coding and brainstorming journeys, the air was thick with optimism and determination, marking the beginning of a hopeful chapter for Fiji’s digital future and its role in the wider Pacific region. This hackathon exemplifies a proactive step towards building an innovative culture that could positively impact local economies and empower future generations.