AI/ML · Blockchain · Product · Robotics
Alexander Watanabe
Architecture-trained polymath and self-taught programmer. Building at the intersection of AI/ML, blockchain, robotics, and product strategy across four countries and six industries.
12+
Years Experience
6
Industries
4
Countries
$1.7M+
Art Revenue
Background
About Me
Architecture-trained polymath. Self-taught programmer. Four countries, six industries.
I trained as an architect at Waseda University and the University of Michigan, where I earned both a Master of Architecture and an M.Sc in Material Systems. Along the way I taught myself to code, and discovered that the most interesting problems live at the intersection of disciplines.
That instinct has taken me from developing smart glass with embedded sensors in Michigan, to leading industrial robotics for aerospace clients at Godrej in Mumbai, to building AI/ML forecasting for Suntory's global brands in Tokyo, to launching blockchain-native generative art on Cardano from Lisbon.
Today I consult independently, working primarily on blockchain/DeFi engineering and AI/ML, including graph neural network pipelines on 500M+ node transaction graphs. I bring a product mindset and design sensibility to everything I build.
Timeline
Career Journey
2012-2013
Research Assistant -- University of Michigan
Developed an EnergyPlus model control and analysis component using C++ to improve and validate the performance of a distributed networked sensing, actuation, and computation platform.
2014-2016
Product Developer -- Guardian Industries
Developed innovative product concepts integrating embedded microcontrollers and sensors in glass for architectural, appliance, and automotive applications. Created novel automation equipment with Raspberry Pi and mechatronic systems.
2016-2018
Design Technologist -- Godrej
Collaborated across 14 Godrej Business Units to identify and solve complex problems, including a robotics challenge unresolved for over five years. Leveraged autodidactic skills to integrate diverse solutions.
2018-2019
Lead, Technology & Automation -- Godrej
Led an interdisciplinary team at Godrej's innovation center, developing novel robotic fabrication methods for aerospace clients (ISRO, Boeing, Rolls Royce, Safran). Spearheaded the introduction of cobots and IIoT.
2019-2020
Robotics Engineer to VP of Product -- innovatech studio
Led cross-functional teams to prototype solutions and iterate on improvements. Conceived, developed, and proposed the idea that became the company's largest and most profitable project. Acqui-hired by Showroom.
2020
AI/ML Engineer -- Showroom
Self-taught PyTorch, ONNX, and FastAI. Built a recommendation system from scratch, designed serverless deployment on AWS Lambda, and mentored colleagues on ML fundamentals.
2020-2021
Data Science -- Suntory Global Strategic Initiatives
Developed AI/ML forecasting models across Suntory's global operations, applied to flagship brands including Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Courvoisier, Yamazaki, and Hibiki.
2021
unsigned_algorithms & The Perfect NFT
Conceived and launched the first algorithmically generated on-chain art on Cardano. 31,119 NFTs generating ~$1.6M. Presented at MoCA Toronto. Followed by The Perfect NFT, a self-perpetuating auction generating ~$100K from royalties.
2021-Present
Independent Consultant -- Lisbon, Portugal
Consulting on blockchain/DeFi projects including GNN pipelines for 500M+ node transaction graphs, Bitcoin-collateralized lending, Cardano DEX architecture, and cross-asset DeFi lending protocols.
Services
What I Do
Blockchain & DeFi Engineering
Design and build decentralized protocols and on-chain systems. From lending platforms and DEX architecture to on-chain d...
Learn more →AI/ML & Data Science
Build production ML systems that deliver real business value. From recommendation engines and forecasting models to grap...
Learn more →Product & Technical Leadership
Scale teams and ship products that matter. Drawing on experience as VP of Product and cross-functional team lead, I help...
Learn more →Case Studies
Selected Work
Let's Work Together
Whether you need blockchain architecture, AI/ML pipelines, product strategy, or hardware prototyping, I'd love to hear about your challenges.
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