Fiji Startups Compete for Startup World Cup Fiji 2026
Participants during the SWC Fiji 2026
The Fiji Innovation Hub in partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures, Creative HQ and Nurture Change hosted the first ever Startup World Cup (SWC) Fiji 2026 further strengthening the country’s presence within the global innovation ecosystem. The SWC is a prestigious global competition platform that connects high potential startups with investors, industry leaders and ecosystem partners. It provides selected startups with the opportunity to pitch for investment, gain international exposure and access global networks.
As part of this initiative the Fiji Innovation Hub identified and supported eight high potential startups to represent Fiji at the SWC. This support included tailored advisory services, intensive pitch preparation, and engagement with ecosystem partners to ensure each team was competitively positioned.
The competition was held at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa on 21 May 2026 during the Nurture Change Business Leaders Retreat, bringing together startups, investors and development partners for an afternoon of innovation and collaboration. The event also welcomed members of the Fiji Innovation Hub’s 2026 Activator cohort and their mentors, who attended alongside participating startups and were provided with an opportunity to pitch the business ideas they are currently developing highlighting the breadth of innovation emerging from the programme.
In the lead-up to the competition, the eight startups underwent a series of coaching and mentoring sessions facilitated by professionals from Creative HQ and local coaches. These sessions enabled founders to refine their business models, strengthen their value proposition and enhance their pitch delivery. The SWC programme featured a brief presentation by the Fiji Innovation Hub which culminated in live pitch presentations from the selected startups, who showcased their solutions to a panel of judges, for the opportunity to progress to the regional stage of the SWC.
At the conclusion of the SWC, ThirdRoc was announced as winner, with Solé FinTech Ltd named as first runner-up. ThirdRoc will now advance to represent Fiji at the Silicon Valley Global Finals, while the first runner-up, Solé FinTech Ltd will represent Fiji at the Asia Regional Finals in Hong Kong. All participating startups were recognised for their efforts and contributions receiving certificates of participation and awards in acknowledgement of their achievements. In addition, a surprise award was granted to the winner, for a behind the scenes guided tour of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) which was graciously offered and will be facilitated by Mr Glen Willoughby, one of the four panel members that evaluated the pitches from the participants.
The SWC Fiji 2026 was made possible through the support of a strong coalition of development and industry partners, including the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP) which is supported by the European Union, the Government of Australia and the Government of New Zealand, key sponsors Mastercard, Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, HFC Bank, Fiji Airways as well as implementation partner Creative HQ and Encore Event Technologies Fiji.
The Fiji Innovation Hub acknowledges Nurture Change Founder Mr Zac de Silva, panel members Mr Justin Babet, Ms Catherine Jones – CEO of Creative HQ and Mr Glen Willoughby for their valuable contributions, and Mr David Downs who graciously agreed to be the Master of Ceremony.
This initiative forms part of the Hub’s broader effort to connect Fiji’s emerging startups with global capital, networks and markets. It complements local programmes such as the Hackathon and the Activator, extending opportunities beyond the local ecosystem and supporting the growth of scalable high-impact solutions onto regional and international platforms.
By enabling participation in international competitions such as the SWC the Fiji Innovation Hub is expected to enhance visibility of Fiji’s innovation ecosystem, attract potential investment, and open new growth pathways for local entrepreneurs. This further reinforces Fiji’s position as an emerging hub for digital innovation within the Pacific.
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