Creating Solutions for Clean Air and Community Engagement
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Darren Riley: Hi. Thanks for having me.
Megan: Thank you for joining us. To get started, let’s discuss JustAir. How did the idea for the company come about, and what does it do?
Darren: Absolutely. The core idea behind JustAir stems from both my personal and professional experiences. Professionally, I have a background in software engineering, graduating from Carnegie Mellon University. I’ve always been intrigued by how technology can support innovation, particularly on issues that matter deeply to me. Growing up in Houston, Texas, I’ve been aware of the systemic challenges faced by many communities.
On a personal level, about seven years ago, I moved to Southwest Detroit and developed asthma. Not having any respiratory issues before, this experience highlighted how significantly our environment can affect our health. Combining that pain point with my tech background made me question why we lack the necessary data and infrastructure to address pollution and its impacts on our communities. This motivated me to work toward creating equitable breathing environments for everyone, which led to the founding of JustAir.
The onset of COVID-19 propelled us forward, revealing health disparities and mortality rates related to respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD, particularly in communities similar to mine. That’s how we began.
Today, JustAir addresses local pollution management to protect our communities, lifestyles—where we work, play, and learn. We build hyper-local air quality monitoring networks, giving communities access to crucial data. This data can empower policymakers and other stakeholders to promote healthier environments. It’s been four years, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey in Michigan.
Megan: You launched about four years ago. Why did you choose to build and grow here in Michigan?
Darren: There are several reasons for my decision to start and grow JustAir in Michigan. First, the ecosystem support here is invaluable. The state’s resources, including funding, mentorship, and advisory services, address various challenges entrepreneurs often face, such as capital and legal issues. I’m genuinely appreciative of the focus on supporting entrepreneurs in our community.
Secondly, the sense of community in Detroit is incredibly strong. I’m one of the founding members of Black Tech Saturdays, an initiative that brings together hundreds of tech-curious individuals every Saturday, creating intentional spaces for those often overlooked in technology conversations. It’s inspiring to see a peer network of entrepreneurs with similar backgrounds collaborating and supporting each other.
Lastly, I emphasize problem-solution fit. Living in Detroit, where I experienced asthma firsthand, I am deeply invested in addressing the environmental issues that impact our communities. My goal is to create solutions that improve the lives of my neighbors, rather than focusing on broader, less personal challenges. The combination of community, the problems I care about, and the supportive ecosystem is why we are established here in Michigan and why we plan to grow within this movement.
Feel free to let me know if you need any further revisions or adjustments!
