Shapiro + Raj Adds AI Focus to Tech Practice

In the US, research agency Shapiro+Raj has added an AI Innovation Group to its Technology Practice, with Scott Swigart still leading the enhanced unit.

Shapiro + Raj was formed in 2014 when business transformation specialist Zain Raj acquired a majority interest in independent MR firm Shapiro. The firm has integrated behavioral science principles with behavioral economic capabilities and says it has 'battle-tested' brand marketing experience to connect the dots between what consumers think, feel, say and do.

The firm launched its Technology Practice in July last year, and says the expanded version will bring disruptive new capabilities that make segmentations, journeys, communication testing, brand positioning, and other primary research projects 'smarter, faster, and more impactful that ever before'. The move reflects the agency's commitment to what it calls 'TechManity' - described as 'an AI-infused and human-inspired approach that delivers future-forward insights to help clients shape the future, not just respond to it'.

Swigart has more than 25 years of insights experience working for the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Salesforce. He comments: 'I am thrilled to combine Shapiro+Raj's proven social and behavioral science-based research approaches with the latest AI breakthroughs. By harnessing the power of machine learning and natural language processing, we can uncover insights at unprecedented speeds and scale, enabling our clients to stay ahead of the curve in rapidly evolving markets'.

Zain Raj, Chairman and CEO comments: 'With Scott's decades-long expertise in the world of data and technology, and his deep passion for research, we have the best of both worlds. A connection of scientific rigor with tech empowerment, which has become a powerful catalyst for game-changing, future-forward insights that ignite transformative growth and help shape the future for businesses and brands'.

Shapiro+Raj operates from Chicago, New York, and Pune, India, and is online at www.shapiroraj.com .