BDO USA’s Research and AI Development Team Wins the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards

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CHICAGO, January 20, 2026 – BDO USA, one of the nation’s leading accounting and advisory firms, is proud to announce that its Research and AI Development (RAID) team has been named a winner in the 2026 BIG Innovation Awards in the Team category. The BIG Innovation Awards celebrate companies, products, and leaders who are transforming industries through applied innovation, intelligent platforms, and measurable real-world impact. 

"I'm incredibly proud of the RAID team for earning this recognition from the BIG Innovation Awards. This honor reflects their dedication and creativity in advancing AI at BDO," said Mike Gerhard, Chief Data and AI Officer at BDO USA. "RAID serves as a vital bridge between innovative ideas and practical solutions, developing AI tools for our firm and people that boost operational efficiency, elevate client service, and strengthen our competitive edge."
Mike Gerhard
Chief Data and AI Officer at BDO USA

Comprised of dedicated and highly skilled technology professionals, RAID functions as BDO’s innovation incubator. The team works closely with BDO leadership and stakeholders to identify opportunities and swiftly launch AI tools that are strategically aligned with firm priorities and generate business value. This specialized approach to fast-paced research, prototyping, and rigorous testing enables BDO to quickly validate new avenues for AI transformation and scale only those that deliver real results. In 2025, RAID launched over nine purpose-built AI agents, optimizing workflows in new and innovative ways to augment BDO professionals’ day-to-day and ultimately enhance client service delivery. RAID is just one impactful initiative originating from BDO’s Data and AI team, whose focus on AI innovation and digital transformation is elevating operational excellence firmwide.   

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to collaborate with such a forward-thinking team, where every challenge sparks new ideas and breakthroughs,” said Zak Fay, BDO USA’s AI Innovation Manager. “We’re excited to continue exploring the capabilities of AI and turn those innovations into solutions that shape the future of the firm.”
Zak Fay
BDO USA’s AI Innovation Manager

The RAID team joins 159 winners recognized for their contributions to innovation across health, financial services, logistics, manufacturing, and enterprise technology. The 2026 BIG Innovation Awards winners reveal a clear trend: innovation is no longer about just having AI, it’s about how you use it. Winners are building platforms, automating workflows, and focusing on trust, privacy, and security as core to their mission. 


"The 2026 BIG Innovation Awards winners show that true innovation is no longer about chasing the latest buzzwords," said Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer at the Business Intelligence Group. "It’s about building intelligent platforms, automating workflows with purpose, and making trust, privacy, and resilience the foundation of every breakthrough. These organizations and leaders are not just keeping pace with change, they are shaping the future of global business."


Visit the BIG Innovation Awards for more information and to view the full list of winners.

Our purpose is helping people thrive every day. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax, and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization. 

BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms. BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation, is the U.S. member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. For more information, please visit: www.bdo.com. 

The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in business. Unlike many recognition programs, these awards are evaluated by business leaders and practitioners who reward programs, products, and people that deliver real, quantifiable excellence rather than marketing narratives. 

Mike Jurs  
Allison Worldwide
[email protected]  
BDO USA Newsroom


Eliana Starbird 
Chief Nominations Officer 
Business Intelligence Group 
+1 909-529-2737
[email protected] 

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