The global artificial intelligence market is projected to reach $1.81 trillion by 2030. In recent years, the career trajectory of engineers has shifted in notable ways. AI technologies, from fraud detection to autonomous systems, have expanded. As a result, companies are now seeking professionals proficient in machine learning, programming, and data analysis—a role referred to as AI engineers.
Yet, despite this growing demand, only 2% of organizations possess the talent, data, and technology necessary to implement proper AI solutions, according to Infosys.
To bridge this gap, many companies turn to offshore AI development, seeking to reduce costs and accelerate project timelines. The objective is to tap into a global talent pool that may not be readily available locally.
By offshoring AI engineers, companies gain access to specialized expertise in machine learning, data science, and automation without the costs and delays of in-house recruitment and training. Hiring AI talent from regions with lower labor costs further enhances cost efficiency.
Other than financial advantages, offshore development provides flexibility, allowing companies to scale teams up or down based on project needs. This adaptability ensures businesses can respond swiftly to shifting requirements without the burden of lengthy hiring processes.
Not to mention, offshore teams work while your local team rests. This workflow speeds up development and reduces time-to-market. AI engineers from diverse backgrounds offer unique skills and fresh problem-solving methods. This diversity enhances your company’s AI capabilities.
Top 5 agencies for outsourcing offshore AI engineers
1. Gini Talent – Experts in niche recruitment
Gini Talent, founded in 2019, is a global recruitment firm specializing in international hiring. They help businesses find top professionals in niche fields like AI across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East/Africa.
2. BairesDev
BairesDev, headquartered in San Francisco, CA, provides AI development services with a focus on nearshore talent. The company offers expertise in machine learning, data engineering, and related IT roles, including AI engineers.
3. Bridge Global
Located in Schiphol, Netherlands, Bridge Global provides AI solutions by integrating AI at every stage of the software development lifecycle.
4. Andela
Headquartered in New York, NY, Andela operates as a two-sided marketplace, identifying and recruiting technologists from around 135 countries, including Africa and Latin America, and placing them in remote contract roles with companies.
5. The Scalers
Situated in Dublin, Ireland, The Scalers specializes in building offshore development teams, focusing on recruiting top talent and managing operations to ensure smooth integration within client organizations.
A good AI development agency would generally…
- have direct experience with AI applications relevant to your field.
- be well-versed in the latest AI technologies and frameworks.
- have a team familiar with your industry’s unique challenges.
- keep you informed, involve you in key decisions, and provide regular updates.
- adheres to industry standards, particularly when handling sensitive information. Data security and privacy are non-negotiable.
- be able to scale resources as needed.
- offer transparent pricing that is reasonable and justified by the value provided.
AI development outsourcing vs. In-house hiring
Outsourcing provides immediate access to specialized expertise, eliminating the delays of recruitment and training. It is often more cost-effective, reducing expenses tied to salaries, infrastructure, and ongoing education. Additionally, it offers scalability, allowing companies to adjust resources as needed.
However, challenges such as communication barriers, cultural differences, and data security risks must be addressed. Clear agreements and strict compliance with data protection standards are essential.
An in-house AI team on the other hand can give greater control over development and closer alignment with company goals. It allows for easy integration with existing systems but comes with high costs. Recruiting and retaining AI talent is competitive, and maintaining an internal team requires significant investment in salaries, training, and infrastructure.
The choice between outsourcing and in-house development depends on budget, project scope, and long-term strategy. Outsourcing offers flexibility and cost savings, while in-house teams may be preferable for projects demanding deep integration with company operations.
