Press Release No. : 04/2026
Date : 17 February 2026
Press Release No 04 – Fiji Innovation Hub Stages Inaugural Hackathon
Participants during the Inaugural Hackathon Finals
The Fiji Innovation Hub successfully hosted its first-ever national Hackathon from 12–14 February 2026, marking a significant milestone in Fiji’s growing digital and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The event brought together 60 innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts from across Fiji and abroad—including participants who travelled from Matuku (Lau), Nakelo (Tailevu), Wainadoi (Navua), Nadi, Lautoka and Australia.
The 36-hour innovation sprint challenged 13 teams to develop solutions under three forward-looking themes: Fintech, Sustainability, and Ease of Doing Business. After an intense round of pitching, the judges awarded six teams with cash prizes:
Winners – FJD $3,000 each
• Pioneers
• Blu Volt
• Making Cents
Runners-Up – FJD $2,000 each
• Farm Connect
• Chain Breakers
• Crowd Source
The $15,000 prize pool was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, HFC Bank and Mastercard. The Hackathon showcased Fiji’s rapidly expanding innovation landscape, demonstrating that moving from concept to prototype no longer requires costly platforms or large capital investment. Participants leveraged AI-powered tools, expert mentorship and hands on support to transform ideas into early-stage solutions. The event targeted a wide audience including entrepreneurs, startups, university students and tech professionals, providing a practical space to build and test impactful ideas.
In launching the Hackathon Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, Mr Ariff Ali, emphasised the significance of the initiative stating, “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.”
Governor Ali further noted that innovation must be “encouraged, enabled, and invested in,” underscoring the central role of technology and entrepreneurship in Fiji’s future.
“Counsellor for Economic and Development Cooperation, Australian High Commission, Mr Andrew Shepherd stated that, “This work aligns with Australia’s elevated Vuvale Partnership with Fiji, particularly our shared commitment to digital transformation and empowering communities. It also advances the shared priorities under our Australia-Fiji Development Partnership Plan by fostering inclusive growth, innovation, and a vibrant, capable private sector. The Fiji Innovation Hub brings these priorities to life. It accelerates fintech solutions, strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and positions Fiji as a regional leader in digital innovation.”
The Hackathon was supported by a strong coalition of development and industry partners, including United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP), Mastercard, Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, HFC Bank, Fiji Airways and implementation partner Creative HQ. Additional support and consolation prizes were provided by GEM IT, Vodafone Fiji, Telecom Fiji, and Digicel Pacific.
The New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Greg Andrews in delivering the keynote at the Hackathon Finals remarked that. “Hackathons are challenging by design. They require quick thinking, teamwork, resilience, and creativity. For New Zealand, we are proud to support this work. Our partnership with Fiji is built on shared values including creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. We look forward to deepening these ties, supporting the region’s digital growth, and working with Fiji as it moves towards a more innovative and resilient future.”
UNDP’s Team Leader Inclusive Growth, Mr Patrick Tuimalielifano, in his closing remarks, highlighted, “The Fiji Innovation Hub demonstrates the power of partnership in building an inclusive and future-ready digital economy to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, support local entrepreneurs, and unlock solutions that advance financial inclusion, resilience, and sustainable growth.”
Looking ahead, the Fiji Innovation Hub will soon launch its 2026 Accelerator Programme, scheduled to run from 27 April to 26 June 2026. Six selected startups will participate in a rigorous nine-week programme to transform their Hackathon concepts into Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) ready for scaling or investment.
For more information Please Click Here
RESERVE BANK OF FIJI
For further details, please contact:
Communications Office
Telephone: (679) 3223 381 Email: info@rbf.gov.fj
Mervin Singh – Manager Corporate Communications
Telephone: (679) 3223 229 Email: mervin@rbf.gov.fj