Case Study – Cultivating Innovation: Building a World-Class R&D Team

Client: TalentSphere Solutions*

Project: Recruiting for IBM's AI Research Center

TalentSphere Solutions, a New York-based HR consulting firm, was engaged to assist IBM in establishing its Artificial Intelligence Research Center in São Paulo. Bridgeside Group advised TalentSphere on developing a comprehensive talent acquisition and retention strategy to build a world-class team of AI researchers and engineers.

Key Challenges:

  • Attracting top AI talent in a highly competitive global market
  • Developing a compelling employer value proposition for the Brazilian market
  • Creating a diverse and inclusive research environment
  • Establishing partnerships with local universities to build a talent pipeline

Bridgeside's Impact:

  • Conducted an in-depth analysis of the AI talent landscape in Brazil and globally.
  • Developed a multi-pronged recruitment strategy, including targeted headhunting and university partnerships.
  • Created an innovative compensation and benefits package tailored to the needs of top researchers.
  • Designed a comprehensive onboarding and professional development program to ensure long-term retention.

    “We were incredibly impressed with the truly insightful expertise Bridgeside had to offer. It’s thanks to their profound understanding of the Brazilian market that we were able to put together a world-class research team from scratch within just 18 months.” –

Results:

  • TalentSphere successfully recruited a team of 50 world-class AI researchers and engineers within 18 months

  • The research center achieved a 40% diversity ratio, well above the industry average

  • Established partnerships with five top Brazilian universities, creating a robust talent pipeline

  • The center published 30 research papers in top AI conferences within its first two years.

    *Identifying details removed to protect client confidentiality.