Alex Birdsall

Alex joined GMRI in 2025 to support the growth of GMRI Ventures, where he helps connect science, industry, and entrepreneurship to accelerate the development of Maine’s blue economy. He brings extensive experience in product strategy, market development, and business leadership, having managed multimillion-dollar product portfolios, guided technology commercialization, and supported local entrepreneurs in launching new ventures.

His career spans corporate, nonprofit, and startup environments, including leadership roles in infrastructure, stormwater management, and environmental sensor technologies. Alex has led product launches from concept through commercialization, built regulatory and channel partnerships, and developed programs to help entrepreneurs access capital, refine business models, and grow their companies. This dual perspective, encompassing building from the ground up and innovating inside organizations, shapes his approach to translating research into scalable impact.

A former bilingual classroom teacher turned strategist, Alex is deeply committed to translating technical complexity into practical solutions. He holds an MBA from Quantic School of Business & Technology, an M.S. in Education from Fordham University, and a B.A. from Oberlin College. He lives in Brunswick with his family, spending free time in the woods and on the water.