40 Under Forty 2021: Aaron Birt

Photo | Erika Sidor Aaron Birt

Photo | Erika Sidor 40 Under Forty, Class of 2021 members (from left) David Ginisi, Aaron Birt, Lisa Malo and Sean Kelly at Redemption Rock Brewing Co. in Worcester (Special thanks to Redemption Rock Brewing Co.)

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By Monica Benevides

Aaron Birt, 31

Title Co-founder & CEO
Companies Solvus Global, in Worcester, Leominster & Webster; & Kinetic Batteries, in Worcester
Residence Sterling
Birthplace Dillsburg, Pa.
Colleges Lafayette College, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Click here to read about the other 40 Under Forty, Class of 2021
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Aaron Birt is known for his ability to rally his team, set goals, and chart a course to meet them.

In three years, he helped grow Solvus Global from $0 to $5 million in annual revenue, with the help of no outside investment, as Solvus grew from two employees to 36. It’s no wonder he was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2018, the first WPI graduate to earn the distinction. An inherent self-starter, Birt designed his own PhD program in machine learning and materials science, and even secured funding with Oxford laser manufacturer IPG Photonics to back his research. That research then resulted in Birt pioneering the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. For the community, he is working with the Venture Forum to build up the Worcester entrepreneurial ecosystem. And he has loftier goals to benefit all of the globe, including working in food and water sustainability, and mining in space.

What TV character would you like to be? Captain Malcolm Reynolds from Firefly – leaders makes mistakes, but they learn from them and take care of their team above all else.

What did you learn from the coronavirus pandemic? Control what you can; don’t worry about the rest.

Why do you live in Central Mass.? Great educational institutions brought me here; the people and opportunity to grow have kept me here.

What life goal will you accomplish in the next 10 years? Professionally, IPO at least three Solvus business units. Personally, visit all seven continents and scuba dive the Seven Seas. A visit to space, too!