Business Assistance Fiji (BAF) teamed up with VentureWell and Global Innovation Through Science and Technology (GIST) to conduct a three-day Investor Readiness Startup Training and Investor Follow-On Training.
The training sessions took place from August 5-7 at the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa in Nadi, attracting participants from various organizations across Fiji, Tuvalu, Australia, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Kiribati, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea, according to a statement from BAF.
The GIST Startup training’s goal was to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs in the fields of science and technology through practical training and mentoring from U.S. experts.
U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Nauru, and Tuvalu, Marie C. Damour, who was the chief guest at the event, highlighted the initiative as a means of strengthening ties between Pacific startups and investors. She noted the potential of green entrepreneurship and impact investing, emphasizing the climate change challenges that Pacific economies face.
“Through GIST, we aim to support Pacific-led innovations that tackle these regional challenges, particularly regarding sustainability and equitable development,” Damour stated.
Dr. Rumman Chowdhary, a data scientist with experience in American politics and economics, stressed the importance of responsible AI practices to ensure technology serves its users effectively.
“From my time at Accenture and Twitter, I have seen how critical it is to address biases and implement AI solutions responsibly,” she explained.
Dr. Chowdhary advised participants on the need for rigorous testing and evaluation processes and creating inclusive solutions to combat issues like gender-based violence and cultural biases in AI technologies.