Darren Riley

Biography

Darren Riley is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of JustAir, a Detroit-based environmental tech company focused on creating cleaner air and healthier communities. After developing asthma in his mid-twenties while living in Southwest Detroit, one of the most polluted areas in the U.S., Riley was inspired to create JustAir. The platform provides actionable air quality data to support health, safety, and environmental regulation, ensuring everyone has access to clean air. Riley earned a computer science degree from Carnegie Mellon University and has over a decade of experience as a software engineer.

Sessions

1. Why Detroit Is Right for Innovation Presented by Gilbert Family Foundation

   Wed, Nov 4, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM CT

   Track GovTech&Civic

   Detroit is a city where innovation meets opportunity. With a rich legacy of building industries, a growing community of diverse founders, and a strong network of investors and ecosystem partners, Detroit offers a compelling environment to launch, grow, and scale a business. The city is leveraging its strengths in advanced manufacturing, mobility, technology, and entrepreneurship to create new pathways for innovation and economic growth. This conversation will bring together investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders to share why Detroit is an attractive place to build a company, access resources, develop strategic partnerships, and connect with emerging markets. By highlighting the people, capital, and collaborative ecosystem driving Detroit forward, we will showcase the city as a place where bold ideas can become thriving businesses and create lasting economic opportunity.