I Am Passionate About Environmental Justice, and It’s Something That Has Been Central to Our Work at Aclima: Davida Herzl, CEO

Davida Herzl, co-founder, is the CEO of Aclima Inc., a company at the forefront of environmental technology. Under her leadership, Aclima has developed advanced air quality monitoring systems that provide critical data to help cities and organizations address pollution and improve public health. Davida’s visionary approach has guided Aclima to partner with major organizations, including government agencies and environmental groups, to deliver actionable insights on air quality. Her commitment to innovation and sustainable practices has positioned Aclima as a leader in the environmental tech space, empowering businesses and communities to create healthier environments. Through her work, Davida continues to drive change and make a tangible impact on the way we understand and manage air quality.

In a recent interview with SME Business Review, Davida Herzl discussed her role as co-founder and CEO of Aclima. She explained how the company is tackling environmental challenges through advanced air quality monitoring and providing data-driven solutions to help organizations and governments combat pollution. Davida also highlighted the importance of leadership and innovation in creating a healthier, more sustainable future. Here’s what she had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Aclima is doing incredible work in environmental health and air quality. Could you tell us how you began this journey and what inspired you to create Aclima?

The inspiration behind Aclima came from a deep concern about the state of our environment, specifically air pollution, and its impact on public health. I saw the lack of granular data on air quality and recognized the opportunity to create a technology that could measure pollution at a very localized level. The goal was to make air quality monitoring more precise and accessible, enabling cities, organizations, and individuals to make informed decisions. This was how Aclima started: using data to drive cleaner air and healthier communities.

Aclima’s technology has provided cities and organizations with the ability to measure air quality in ways that were not possible before. How did you envision this technology and its impact from the beginning?

From the very beginning, I envisioned Aclima as a tool for creating actionable data that could drive change. Traditional air quality monitoring was often limited in scope and couldn’t provide the detailed information needed to understand pollution on a local level. Our technology maps air quality block by block, which allows policymakers and communities to see pollution in real-time and at a hyper-local level. My goal has always been to empower cities and organizations to take informed action and implement solutions that improve the environment and public health.

Your leadership has driven Aclima’s growth. How have you balanced scaling the company while ensuring the quality and impact of your work?

Scaling Aclima has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve had to ensure that as we grow, we maintain our focus on the impact we want to have. That means balancing rapid expansion with the integrity of our mission. We prioritize hiring passionate, mission-driven people who are aligned with our values, and we always ensure that our technology continues to evolve to meet the needs of the communities we serve. It's also crucial that we engage with key stakeholders—governments, researchers, and businesses—to ensure that we remain relevant and focused on our long-term goals of improving environmental health.

Aclima’s technology has a clear environmental impact, but it also intersects with social equity, particularly regarding marginalized communities. How do you address these inequities?

I am passionate about environmental justice, and it’s something that has been central to our work at Aclima. Air pollution disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and our technology aims to shine a light on these disparities. By providing accurate, localized data, we can give these communities the information they need to advocate for cleaner air and better living conditions. It’s important to me that Aclima’s work addresses not just environmental issues, but also the social implications of air pollution, ensuring that no one is left behind.

As the CEO of a rapidly growing company, how do you ensure that the culture of Aclima remains true to your original vision?

Maintaining our culture as we grow is always top of mind. I’ve made it a priority to surround myself with a team that shares our mission and values, and that helps to preserve our company’s core culture. We continually remind ourselves why we’re doing this work, and we emphasize transparency, accountability, and a strong sense of purpose. As we expand, I’m committed to ensuring that Aclima stays focused on its mission to create healthier communities and a cleaner environment. This is something that starts with leadership and is reinforced at every level of the company.

Looking at Aclima’s growth and impact, what has been one of the most rewarding aspects of your leadership journey?

The most rewarding aspect has been seeing the real-world impact of our work—knowing that Aclima’s data has led to cleaner air in cities and has helped organizations make more informed, effective decisions. When you see tangible change in the environment and in people’s lives, it reinforces the importance of what we do. It’s also incredibly fulfilling to see the team at Aclima grow and thrive, knowing that we’re all working towards a shared goal. It’s a privilege to lead a company with such passionate and talented people.

Looking back at your career, what advice would you give to others who want to pursue innovation in the environmental or tech industries?

My advice would be to stay focused on solving real problems and to remain committed to your mission, no matter how difficult the path may seem. Innovation doesn’t always follow a straight line, and there will be setbacks along the way. But it’s important to believe in the value of what you’re doing and to keep moving forward, even when progress feels slow. Surround yourself with people who share your vision, and never underestimate the power of persistence. The world needs more innovation in the environmental and tech sectors, and the more people who are willing to take risks and challenge the status quo, the better.

What is next for Aclima, and how do you see the future of air quality monitoring technology?

The future of Aclima is focused on scaling our impact even further. We’re always looking at how we can improve and expand our technology, making it more accessible to communities around the world. We also aim to continue partnering with governments and organizations to create policies and initiatives that prioritize clean air and environmental health. The future of air quality monitoring technology is about making data even more actionable and integrated into everyday decision-making, and I’m excited to see where we can take it.

Davida Herzl, Co-Founder & CEO, Aclima Inc.

“I believe in creating an environment where collaboration is encouraged, and team members from different fields—whether science, engineering, or policy—can come together to solve complex environmental problems.”