Fiji startups secure pathway to Silicon Valley through global competition

FIJI NEWSWORLD

6/1/20262 min read

Fiji's growing innovation ecosystem has received a major boost after local startup ThirdRoc secured a place at the prestigious Startup World Cup Global Finals in Silicon Valley following the inaugural Startup World Cup Fiji 2026 competition.

Hosted by the Fiji Innovation Hub in partnership with Pegasus Tech Ventures, Creative HQ and Nurture Change, the competition marked the first time Fiji has participated in the globally recognised Startup World Cup programme, connecting local entrepreneurs with international investors, industry leaders and innovation networks.

The competition was held at the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa on May 21 during the Nurture Change Business Leaders Retreat and brought together startups, investors, development partners and members of Fiji's innovation community.

ThirdRoc was announced as the overall winner and will now represent Fiji at the Startup World Cup Global Finals in Silicon Valley, while Solé FinTech Ltd, named first runner-up, will represent Fiji at the Asia Regional Finals in Hong Kong.

The Startup World Cup is regarded as one of the world's leading startup competitions, providing entrepreneurs with opportunities to pitch for investment, gain international exposure and connect with global business networks.

As part of the programme, the Fiji Innovation Hub identified and supported eight high-potential startups to participate in the competition. Founders received tailored advisory services, intensive pitch coaching and mentoring support from Creative HQ professionals and local experts to help refine their business models, strengthen their value propositions and improve their investor pitches.

The event also featured participation from members of the Fiji Innovation Hub's 2026 Activator programme, who were given an opportunity to showcase business ideas currently under development. Their participation highlighted the growing pipeline of innovative ventures emerging through the Hub's entrepreneurship programmes.

Following presentations by the Fiji Innovation Hub, participating startups delivered live pitches before a panel of judges for the opportunity to advance to regional and global stages of the competition.

All participating startups were recognised with certificates and awards for their contributions and achievements throughout the programme.

In a surprise announcement, ThirdRoc was also awarded a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), facilitated by judge Mr Glen Willoughby.

The Startup World Cup Fiji 2026 was supported by a coalition of development and industry partners including the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Development Programme, the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, which is supported by the European Union, the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, Mastercard, the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, HFC Bank, Fiji Airways, Creative HQ and Encore Event Technologies Fiji.

The Fiji Innovation Hub acknowledged the contributions of Nurture Change founder Mr Zac de Silva, judges Mr Justin Babet, Ms Catherine Jones, Mr Glen Willoughby and master of ceremonies Mr David Downs.

The Hub said participation in international competitions such as the Startup World Cup forms part of its broader strategy to connect Fiji's emerging entrepreneurs with global markets, investors and opportunities.

It said the initiative complements local programmes including the Hackathon and Activator programmes and is expected to increase the visibility of Fiji's innovation ecosystem while attracting investment and creating new growth opportunities for local startups.

The competition further reinforces Fiji's position as an emerging centre for digital innovation in the Pacific and provides local entrepreneurs with a direct pathway to regional and international markets.

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📧 editor@duavata.news