Top 10 AI Consultants: how to choose the right partner for your business

What do AI consultants do?

AI consultants are experts who help organizations plan, implement, and scale artificial intelligence solutions tailored to their specific needs. Their role is multifaceted, often including:

• Strategic planning: Identifying opportunities for AI across your operations, from customer service to forecasting.
• Data readiness: Evaluating your data architecture and cleaning/preparing it for AI algorithms.
• Tool selection: Recommending appropriate platforms (e.g., Azure AI, OpenAI, Microsoft Copilot).
• Model development: Customizing or building machine learning models aligned with business goals.
• Implementation: Integrating AI into existing systems like ERP or CRM platforms.
• Change management: Ensuring teams are trained, adoption is supported, and outcomes are measurable.

In short, AI consultants make the difference between AI as a promising idea and AI as a business accelerator.

Why AI consultants are more in demand than ever in 2025?

The AI boom is accelerating. From Copilot integrations in Microsoft Dynamics 365 to generative AI tools in customer service, organizations are scrambling to keep up. According to McKinsey, businesses that embrace AI early gain up to 20% more efficiency than late adopters.

So why work with AI consultants?

• Complexity: Implementing AI is not plug-and-play. AI consultants help manage technical debt, data issues, and governance concerns.
• Talent shortage: Finding and hiring in-house AI experts is costly. Consultants bridge the gap.
• Strategic alignment: AI consultants ensure your AI initiatives actually serve your KPIs.
• Technology overload: With thousands of tools available, consultants cut through the noise and recommend what’s right for your business.

Top 10 AI consultants to watch in 2025

Here is our curated list of the top AI consultants in 2025. These firms offer exceptional consulting services across industries and business sizes.

1. Gestisoft

Location: Québec, Canada

Specialization: Microsoft Dynamics 365 AI, Azure AI, Microsoft Copilot, AI for municipalities and professional orders

What sets them apart: Gestisoft leads the field of AI consultants in Canada with its unmatched expertise in integrating Microsoft AI tools directly into CRM, ERP, and field service platforms. Our AI consulting services are designed for real-world adoption, focused not just on implementation but also on user onboarding, change management, and long-term value realization. Our team is bilingual, local, and deeply rooted in the realities of Canadian organizations, including public sector compliance.

Ideal for: Mid-sized businesses, professional associations, public administrations, and manufacturing firms seeking a trusted, Microsoft-aligned AI partner.

2. Accenture

Location: Global (HQ in Dublin, Ireland)

Specialization: Enterprise AI transformation, data analytics, automation, AI infrastructure, GenAI strategy

What sets them apart: Accenture’s AI consultants work with Fortune 500 companies to deliver enterprise-scale solutions using proprietary AI frameworks and partnerships with companies like NVIDIA, Google, and Microsoft. They offer robust end-to-end solutions across sectors including banking, healthcare, and retail, often with a focus on sustainability and AI ethics.

Ideal for: Large enterprises undergoing digital transformation at scale.

3. IBM Consulting

Location: Global (HQ in Armonk, NY, USA)

Specialization: AI and machine learning development, IBM Watson, hybrid cloud, responsible AI frameworks

What sets them apart: IBM Consulting brings decades of R&D experience into practical AI deployment. With its Watson platform and Red Hat integration, IBM focuses on explainable AI, intelligent automation, and custom NLP applications. Their consultants are known for tackling high-complexity projects, especially in regulated sectors.

Ideal for: Enterprises with strict data governance, security, and compliance needs.

4. Deloitte

Location: Global (HQ in London, UK)

Specialization: AI strategy, risk and compliance, digital innovation, GenAI, automation

What sets them apart: Deloitte helps organizations use AI to improve strategic decision-making, operational agility, and customer experiences. Their AI consultants combine technical talent with management consulting expertise, offering C-level guidance and execution. They are also known for AI maturity frameworks and ethical AI programs.

Ideal for: Companies seeking both strategic advisory and hands-on implementation.

5. PwC

Location: Global (HQ in London, UK)

Specialization: AI risk management, compliance, data analytics, finance and operations transformation

What sets them apart: PwC offers trusted advisory services to help companies adopt AI responsibly. Their AI consultants are especially strong in areas involving regulatory compliance, internal audit transformation, and intelligent finance operations. PwC is often chosen for their frameworks around transparency and accountability in AI systems.

Ideal for: Organizations with high compliance standards and finance-heavy AI applications.

6. LeewayHertz

Location: San Francisco, USA

Specialization: Custom AI application development, computer vision, generative AI, NLP

What sets them apart: LeewayHertz develops AI solutions from scratch, including AI-powered mobile apps, computer vision platforms, and predictive analytics tools. Their rapid prototyping approach appeals to innovative startups and agile mid-market companies looking to build competitive advantages through AI.

Ideal for: Startups, scale-ups, and tech-forward SMEs.

7. Cognizant

Location: Global (HQ in Teaneck, NJ, USA)

Specialization: Intelligent automation, AI-enabled customer experience, data engineering

What sets them apart: Cognizant blends its digital transformation services with strong AI capabilities, helping businesses reinvent customer journeys and backend processes. They also focus on conversational AI and real-time analytics, with strong experience in life sciences and retail.

Ideal for: Enterprises seeking transformation across both IT and business operations.

8. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

Location: Global (HQ in Boston, USA)

Specialization: AI operating models, AI innovation, digital transformation, advanced analytics

What sets them apart: BCG’s AI consultants work closely with executive leadership to define AI investment priorities and align AI with business models. Their Gamma team specializes in large-scale analytics, while their ventures arm supports AI productization.

Ideal for: Boards, executives, and innovation teams in large enterprises.

9. EY (Ernst & Young)

Location: Global (HQ in London, UK)

Specialization: AI in tax, audit, finance, intelligent automation, AI for financial crime detection

What sets them apart: EY applies AI to finance-heavy functions such as fraud detection, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting. Their focus on “trusted AI” aligns with organizations needing robust audit trails and governance in their systems.

Ideal for: Finance departments, audit teams, and compliance leaders.

10. KPMG

Location: Global (HQ in Amstelveen, Netherlands)

Specialization: AI governance, risk mitigation, digital transformation audits, AI in public services

What sets them apart: KPMG’s AI consultants prioritize responsible deployment and monitoring. They are known for building risk frameworks that ensure AI solutions meet ethical and legal standards—especially in government and finance. Their consulting blends technical AI knowledge with deep regulatory experience.

Ideal for: Governments, banks, insurers, and regulated industries.

How to choose the right AI consultants for your business

Not all AI consultants are created equal. Here are the key criteria to consider when making your selection:

1. Industry expertise

Does the consultant understand your vertical? Municipalities have different needs from manufacturing firms or healthcare providers. Choose AI consultants who speak your industry’s language.

2. Technology specialization

Do they specialize in platforms you use—like Microsoft Dynamics, Azure AI, or SAP? Consultants with Microsoft certifications (like Gestisoft) can offer deeper value.

3. Team qualifications

Look for certifications, past project success, and technical depth. The best AI consultants have data scientists, AI engineers, change managers, and solution architects on staff.

4. Post-implementation support

AI isn't a one-and-done project. You need AI consultants who offer training, adoption programs, and continuous optimization.

5. Ethics and governance

Ensure your consultant understands AI ethics, explainability, and responsible use—especially if your organization handles sensitive data.

6. Project methodology

Do they offer clear project milestones, KPIs, and iterative development? Agile, sprint-based AI delivery often leads to faster ROI.

Mistakes to avoid when hiring AI consultants

Avoid these common pitfalls when choosing AI consultants:

• Choosing based on price alone: Cheap can mean inexperienced.
• No clear goals: Without defined success metrics, even the best consultants will struggle to deliver.
• Not involving internal teams: Failing to prepare your team leads to resistance and poor adoption.
• Ignoring data readiness: AI is only as good as your data quality. Don’t neglect data audits and prep.
• Overpromising results: Be wary of consultants who guarantee major ROI without first analyzing your context.

Why choose Gestisoft as your AI consultant?

Gestisoft is more than a tech integrator. We are AI consultants dedicated to helping Canadian organizations modernize responsibly.

• Microsoft specialization: We implement AI through trusted Microsoft tools like Copilot, Dynamics 365 AI, and Azure Machine Learning.
• Vertical expertise: From municipalities and professional orders to manufacturing, we understand your industry’s needs.
• Local and bilingual support: We deliver all our services in French or English and understand the Canadian public sector.
• Change management: We don’t just build tools—we ensure your people adopt them through structured support.
• Long-term partnership: Our AI consulting services go beyond implementation. We stick with you for the entire journey.

Whether you're looking to start small with Microsoft Copilot or planning a full-scale AI transformation, Gestisoft is your trusted Canadian AI consultant. Our tailored, industry-specific approach ensures your teams are empowered, your systems are optimized, and your AI investment delivers.

Ready to bring AI into your business? Talk to an AI consultant at Gestisoft today.