As a part of Cohort 13’s CEO Stories, we are so excited to introduce you to Daniel Betts, CEO of Blue Frontier, Inc.!

“Blue Frontier, Inc. is doing to air conditioning what LEDs did to lighting. We are changing what’s possible, and – in the process – we’re changing the rules of the game. We save money while at the same time saving the planet.”

Blue Frontier, Inc. has commercialized a breakthrough in the century-old technology of air conditioning. Based on a proprietary desiccant they licensed from the the National Renewable Energy Labs, Blue Frontier can cool the air in commercial buildings three-times more efficiently than traditional compressor-based systems. Better yet, they can shift the peak usage of electric power from the hottest parts of the day to evenings, when electricity is substantially cheaper. In many cases, Blue Frontier can reduce electricity bills for air conditioning by 90%! 

The company’s solution replaces or augments existing air handling systems that are used in mid-scale commercial buildings, which make up 93% of the buildings in the US. As CEO Betts says, “we work with commercial building sizes from Waffle House’s to Walmart’s.” Beyond retail buildings, Blue Frontier is designed to cool warehouses, offices, supermarkets, gyms, schools, and municipal buildings. 

Blue Frontier’s solution helps these buildings maintain indoor air quality efficiently, requiring much less energy and a far lower cost compared to conventional systems.

Daniel Betts, PhD, MBA brings over two decades of expertise in technology and advanced energy systems to his work at Blue Frontier. With a background in product development, executive leadership, and consulting in both engineering and business management, Daniel and his equally impressive team of co-founders and executives are paving the way for a revolution in efficiency and climate impact.

Dr. Betts started with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from George Washington University. Later, he earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and thermal sciences from the University of Florida, where he also completed an MBA.