IN CONVERSATION WITH KIARA NIRGHIN

interview by JANA LETONJA

As a prominent Gen Z sustainability advocate and technologist, Kiara Nirghin is internationally recognized as a scientific and cultural pioneer for her generation, having won the Grand Prize at the prestigious Google Science Competition with a tech and data-driven innovation against climate change at a young age. She is also the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Chima, a leading tech startup focusing on redefining the new potential of generative AI across industries with cutting-edge models that are responsible, sustainable, and effective.

full look GOLDEN GOOSE

At a young age, you’ve won the Grand Prize at the prestigious Google Science Competition with a tech and data-driven innovation against climate change. What interested you in this very important topic at such a young age

From an early age, I was deeply curious about the natural world and the growing challenges we face due to climate change. Growing up in South Africa, I experienced firsthand the effects of drought and environmental degradation. These personal experiences ignited a desire in me to find solutions, and I realized the power that technology and data hold in addressing such global issues. 

How has winning this award fueled your passion to advocate on climate change and sustainability further

Winning the Google Science Competition was a pivotal moment for me. It not only validated my belief that young people can drive significant change, but also opened doors to a global platform where I could advocate for sustainability. The experience taught me that innovation paired with advocacy can create meaningful impact. Since then, I’ve been focused on how technology, like AI, can be harnessed to create scalable, sustainable solutions for the planet.

Sustainability being one of the most important topics in today’s society, what is your brutally honest view on it?

Sustainability is both a promise and a challenge. While we see companies and governments talking about sustainability more than ever, we still have a long way to go in transforming those conversations into tangible actions. There’s a tendency to focus on surface-level fixes rather than addressing the deeper systemic issues that are driving environmental degradation. We need more accountability, and we need to shift from sustainability being a buzzword to it being ingrained into every decision we make, whether that’s in business, tech, or our daily lives. I believe it’s through a true partnership with the private sector.

If you had to advocate on sustainability now, what would be your words of advice to us and our readers?

My advice is simple: start small, but think big. We can’t tackle sustainability challenges overnight, but every action matters. Whether it’s reducing waste in your daily routine or pushing your organization to adopt more sustainable practices, incremental steps can have a collective impact. Most importantly, we must think beyond short-term gains and consider the long-term effects of our choices on the planet.

You also advocate through organizations like UN Women and L'Oréal UNESCO for Women in Science. Tell us more about your work with them and its importance, especially for women.

Both UN Women and L'Oréal UNESCO for Women in Science are close to my heart because they empower women in fields where gender disparities are still extremely prevalent. My work with these organizations revolves around advocating for gender equity, creating more opportunities for young women, and ensuring their voices are heard in critical decision-making spaces. It’s essential for women to be part of conversations on topics like sustainability and AI because diverse perspectives lead to better solutions.

You’re also one of Room to Read’s newest Global Ambassadors. What is this ambassadorship all about and what does it mean to you personally?

As a Global Ambassador for Room to Read, I’m championing girls' education, which is one of the most effective ways to create lasting societal change. Education is a key enabler for young women, particularly in underrepresented communities, to rise above systemic barriers. For me, this ambassadorship is deeply personal. I believe that education and access to knowledge are fundamental rights, and by supporting this cause, I hope to help empower the next generation of female leaders.

full look GOLDEN GOOSE

Besides all of this, you are the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Chima, a leading tech startup that focuses on redefining the new potential of generative AI across industries with cutting-edge models. How are you guys redefining the whole new potential of generative AI, and what will it bring for everyone?

At my company, we are pushing the boundaries of what generative AI can achieve. Our approach is grounded in creating AI systems that are not only powerful, but also responsible and sustainable. We’re developing complex reasoning models that can automate complex tasks across industries, enabling companies to optimize their operations and innovate faster. But we’re equally focused on ensuring that our AI models respect ethical guidelines and promote inclusivity, addressing biases and ensuring fairness. The potential for generative AI to revolutionize industries, while being responsible, is truly exciting. I love what I do.

You strongly believe gender equality should be at the forefront of AI development. Why is this so important, and what other aspects AI development has to prioritize and respect?

Gender equality is critical in AI development because the biases of those who create the technology can be embedded in the systems they design. If we don’t ensure diverse representation, we risk building AI systems that perpetuate existing inequalities, from gender to racial biases. Beyond gender equality, AI development must also prioritize transparency, accountability and privacy. These are key to building trust in AI and ensuring it benefits society as a whole.

We also usually see a huge gender divide in science and technology. Why and how do you think this pattern can be broken and changed in the sense women are not sidelined?

This divide can be broken by creating more inclusive environments for women in STEM fields, from the classroom to the boardroom. We need better mentorship programs, more visibility of women leaders in tech, and organizational policies that address unconscious bias. Change also needs to start early, girls need to be encouraged to explore STEM fields and feel that they belong in those spaces. Representation matters, and when young women see others like them excelling, it creates a ripple effect.

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

I’m currently focused on building the next generation of technology incredibly fast. Expanding my company’s capabilities in generative AI and working with industry partners to implement AI-powered solutions that drive both sustainability and efficiency. I’m also excited about advocacy projects in the pipeline that merge my passion for technology and women’s empowerment. Stay tuned for a lot more.

photography SOFI ADAMS
hair JACOB ROZENBERG
makeup JENNIFER TIOSECO