Fiji Innovation Activator 2026 - Cohort 1
Accelerating founders, building Fiji's future
About the Programme
To help accelerate our digital economy, we are selecting a small cohort of founders building practical digital solutions for Fiji. We know the passion and energy in the ecosystem, and we are now taking it up a gear to support 7 teams to activate and grow their startup businesses.
Whether your business is an idea scribbled in a notebook, a rough prototype, or an early product with traction, this 9-week, action-focused programme will help you validate, refine and accelerate it.
Who is this Programme for?
We are calling Fintechs, those making business easier or sustainability themed startups to apply.
But what does Fintech mean? Simply Fintech means using technology to create new and better ways for people and businesses to manage money. From tools that help people pay, save, borrow, invest or get insured – to tech that helps institutions work smarter. Our definition is liberal: if you are helping customers pay for goods or services digitally, or making ‘doing business’ easier, we encourage you to apply.
We also have up to 2 wildcard spots for sustainability themed businesses!
Here's what you'll get
Build your venture without giving up equity: Participate for free, thanks to [LIST PARTNERS].
Learn the foundations of entrepreneurship: Learn how to translate your idea, research, or early prototype into a scalable business.
Derisk your business: Develop a clear, actionable roadmap to move you through the early stages of validation and reduce risk for you, your customers, and future investors or grantors.
Validate your market: Complete hands-on customer discovery and market mapping so you know your solution meets real demand before a ‘scale-ready’ build.
Structured Coaching: Weekly coaching sessions with Creative HQ’s innovation specialists, and/or selected technology experts
Business Support: Connect with mentors who can give you targeted advice, challenge or act as a sounding board with relevant Fijian experience and context.
Engage directly with key players: You will connect with leading Fijian entrepreneurs, regulators, and payment providers.
Cohort Connection: Make connections with a peer cohort of tech founders to share knowledge, challenges and wins long after the 9 weeks end.
Flexible format: With a hybrid format, you can join us at the brand-new Innovation Hub inside the Reserve Bank building or join online from anywhere across Fiji (in-person kick off and close required).
AI-powered from day 1: This programme is designed to fast-track your startup using AI tools that supercharge your progress. We’ll guide you through an AI approach that blends hands-on execution with practical learning at every step.
FAQs
What is the time commitment?
Expect to commit 15–20 hours per week, including coaching, workshops, group sessions, interviews and building your prototype. 2-3 hours per week will need to be done during business hours, outside of that, evenings and weekends are an option.
What is Fintech?
Fintech is the use of technology to create new and better ways for people and businesses to manage money. You might be building:
- A new payment or financial tool
- A digital solution that helps MSMEs run better
- A platform improving access to services
- A tech-enabled solution solving a real system problem
Our definition is liberal, meaning if you are helping customers pay for goods or services in digital ways, or making it easier for businesses to thrive, we encourage you to apply.
What is a Sustainability wildcard?
Fiji’s future depends on both digital transformation and environmental resilience. While this programme primarily supports Fintech and ‘ease of doing business’ solutions, we are reserving up to two wildcard places for sustainability-focused startups.
We are particularly interested in solutions that combine:
- Technology
- Commercial/economic viability
- Measurable environmental/climate impact
These wildcard spots recognise that long-term economic growth and sustainability go hand in hand and build on the success of our Hackathon teams within this area.
Who is eligible to apply?
Solo founders or teams in Fiji, pre-product and pre-revenue is ok. No prior startup experience is required, just commitment and curiosity.
How much does it cost?
Participation is completely free, but you may want to spend a small amount to purchase AI tools to help you on your journey.
Apply Today!
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