DURHAM, N.C.– Phononic, the global leader in solid-state cooling and heating technology, is proud to announce that its CEO, Tony Atti, was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) at the 2021 Cleantech Innovation Awards, a ceremony held on Wednesday, December 8th in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Held annually, the Cleantech Innovation Awards recognize the people, organizations, and initiatives that are driving cleantech innovation, creative deployment solutions, and workforce development throughout North Carolina and around the world.
Phononic’s solid-state technology and integrated system designs is a transformational approach to cooling, refrigeration and HVAC that makes an impact on greenhouse gas (GhG) emissions and helps steer the global community toward the goal of just 1.5° C warming. As opposed to conventional vapor compression systems that use traditional refrigerants comprised of toxic hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or ‘natural’ alternatives made from synthetic chemicals – that both feature high Global Warming Potential (GWP) in the thousands – Phononic’s solid-state solution uses just water mixed with naturally available CO2. With a GWP of just 1, it is the lowest and most climate friendly GWP rating in the industry.
“I’m honored to be recognized as an innovator in cleantech,” said Atti, Co-Founder and CEO of Phononic. “Cooling and refrigeration play a critical role in our quality of life, and Phononic’s solid-state innovation is an exciting way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support global climate goals, while meeting the demanding performance needs of the market. It’s a great honor to be recognized amongst this group of people and organizations who are all coming together for one common goal: to help our state and our world become a more sustainable place to live.”
The Entrepreneuer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated innovation through the development of new technology or advancing existing technology that has the potential to disrupt traditional industries, create a cleaner planet, and improve the quality of life for people in North Carolina and around the world. Governor Roy Cooper was also honored at the ceremony, receiving the 2021 Cleantech Champion Award for his demonstrated commitments to protecting natural resources and driving a clean energy economy in North Carolina.
Atti has led the development and growth of Phononic since its founding in 2008. In this short time, the Company has become the leading innovator of solid-state cooling and heating solutions disrupting numerous industries. Its corporate headquarters and U.S. manufacturing facility are based in Durham, N.C. with an expanded global sales and manufacturing capability in APAC following the Company’s recent announcement of full customer manufacturing qualification with Fabrinet in Thailand. To date, millions of high performance thermoelectric devices, and first-of-their-kind refrigerators, freezers, and cold chain solutions are providing mission-critical and life-saving cooling to customers all across the globe.
