Best AI & ML Consultants in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Area AI & ML Consulting Services

In the heart of the Twin Cities, a new generation of innovators is shaping the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington, MN-WI, long known for its engineering excellence, manufacturing depth, and startup vitality, has evolved into a thriving AI innovation corridor.

Methodology - Finding the Best AI Experts and ML Consultants in Minneapolis

From predictive analytics in healthcare to generative AI tools for finance and education, local consultants are spearheading transformations that redefine how businesses build, design, and deliver technology.

Here at Digital Reference, we believe in amplifying the stories of those advancing AI responsibly and creatively. Our methodology for identifying top consultants involves extensive research across professional networks, client feedback, case study evaluation, and firsthand project results. Each featured consultant demonstrates excellence in AI engineering, data science, or digital innovation — all based in the Minneapolis metro area.

🌟 Featured AI & ML Consultants in Minneapolis‍

♦️ Cole Medin

Founder and Artificial Intelligence Educator and Innovator at Dynamous 

Chief Technology Officer at ottomator
LinkedIn

Few embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the Twin Cities like Cole Medin, founder of Dynamous AI and Ottomator. Cole merges AI education, engineering insight, and startup energy into every project he touches. His focus on automation and AI literacy helps companies transition from traditional IT frameworks to scalable, intelligent operations.

🔹 Key Highlights:

📚 Founded Dynamous AI, an innovation hub advancing AI adoption across SMEs.

🤖 Created Ottomator, an AI-driven automation suite simplifying enterprise workflows.

🎥 Builds educational content demystifying AI for engineers, marketers, and founders alike.

Cole’s work underscores the collaborative, cross-functional culture Minneapolis is known for — bridging technical engineering with human-centered AI design.

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♦️ Justin Grammens

AI Advisor and Managing Partner at Recursive Awesome

Founder + CEO at Lab651
LinkedIn ‍

A cornerstone of Minneapolis’ AI ecosystem, Justin Grammens is an educator, entrepreneur, and community builder whose portfolio spans AI startups, academic mentorship, and applied machine learning. Through his companies Recursive Awesome and Lab651, Justin helps enterprises bring ideas from concept to code, focusing on computer vision, generative AI, and IoT applications.

🔹 Key Highlights:

🎙️ Host of the Applied AI Podcast, connecting the Midwest AI community with global innovators.

🧩 Leads AI workshops at the University of St. Thomas, shaping the next wave of ML engineers.

🌐 Organizes EMTech North, a hub for emerging tech dialogue across Minnesota.

Justin’s multi-faceted influence represents the city’s engineering-meets-education DNA—balancing hands-on application with future-focused research.

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♦️ Lori Ryan

AI Consultant, Founder and CEO at Lorignite
LinkedIn

With a passion for making AI feel approachable, Lori Ryan helps organizations integrate intelligent systems without the intimidation factor. As founder of Lorignite, she focuses on AI adoption readiness, ensuring companies understand not just the “how” but the “why” behind automation.

🔹 Key Highlights:

💬 Known for transforming complex AI topics into relatable lessons for engineering teams.

🧠 Formerly collaborated with Benivo, enhancing people analytics and decision systems.

🌍 Champion for inclusive AI education, particularly in HR tech and workforce automation.

Lori’s empathetic yet strategic approach makes her one of the most impactful AI communicators in Minneapolis.

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♦️ Zach Hatch

AI & Automation Manager at Gemini: Advanced Marketing Solutions
LinkedIn | Personal Site

A creative force in AI-driven marketing automation, Zach Hatch helps engineering and SaaS firms use AI to optimize their digital funnels. His dual background in AI development and marketing strategy makes him uniquely effective in translating technical intelligence into business growth.

🔹 Key Highlights:

📊 Creator of machine learning models that optimize ad performance and conversion tracking.

🧩 Integrates LLMs for copy generation and predictive targeting.

🪄 Helps engineers understand how AI tools can scale client outreach.

Zach is a leading example of how AI merges analytics and creativity in the digital economy.

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♦️ Jim Wilt

CTO | Chief Architect | IT Leader and Chief Architect  at WVE - Business Technology Strategy 

Senior Advisor at Pratus
LinkedIn

Jim Wilt is one of the region’s most distinguished technology leaders, blending enterprise architecture, cloud computing, and AI strategy to modernize organizations. With an engineering mindset and decades of technical leadership, Jim specializes in designing AI-enabled platforms for crisis management and digital transformation.

🔹 Key Highlights:

🏗️ Architected data resilience frameworks leveraging ML for disaster response analytics.

🧭 Former CTO driving organizational innovation across industries.

🗣️ Frequent conference speaker on AI governance and digital leadership.

Jim’s commitment to engineering integrity and AI ethics cements his status as a visionary in the Minneapolis AI scene.

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♦️ David Espindola

Founder | AI Strategist & Advisor at Brainyus
LinkedIn | Personal Website

David Espindola combines leadership experience and AI strategy in a way few others do. As a seasoned executive and founder of Brainyus, David advises startups and enterprises on scaling digital transformation and responsible AI adoption.

🔹 Key Highlights:

📘 Author of award-winning books on AI strategy and innovation.

💼 Brings experience from startups to multi-billion-dollar IPOs.

🧩 Helps engineering teams align AI architecture with business growth goals.

David’s multidisciplinary expertise exemplifies strategic leadership in the age of intelligent systems.

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♦️ Ben Kasper

AI and IT Infrastructure Consultant at Bringinben
LinkedIn

Ben Kasper guides organizations through the AI intelligence explosion, helping them scale infrastructure while maintaining clarity and security. A thought leader and author, Ben’s expertise lies in managing cloud systems, robotics, and datacenter automation.

🔹 Key Highlights:

🧩 Designs AI-integrated cloud infrastructures for agile development.

💡 Advises engineering firms on AI safety and operational scalability.

📘 Writes extensively on leadership in the AI era.

Ben’s ability to combine technical mastery with visionary thinking embodies the next generation of engineering leadership in Minnesota.

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♦️ Lily Erickson

ML Engineering & Research | Founder at EmerGen LLC
LinkedIn

Lily Erickson is a machine learning engineer and researcher specializing in rapid AI prototyping. Through her firm, EmerGen LLC, she accelerates the journey from concept to deployment, empowering teams to experiment with custom ML architectures quickly and effectively.

🔹 Key Highlights:

🧪 Built automated prototyping systems for AI startups and research groups.

⚙️ Skilled in bridging data science theory with real-world deployment.

💡 Mentor to young engineers exploring responsible AI design.

Her agility and precision make her a cornerstone of Minneapolis’ applied AI community.

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♦️ Loren Horsager

AI Speaker & Advocate | AI Governance Specialist  and CEO at Model Mind AI
LinkedIn

Loren Horsager rounds out this impressive list with his work on AI governance, strategy, and enterprise integration. As founder of ModelMind AI, Loren helps companies implement responsible and efficient AI frameworks that prioritize transparency, compliance, and measurable ROI.

🔹 Key Highlights:

🧭 Developed governance frameworks adopted by Fortune 500 firms.

📢 Frequent speaker on AI ethics, risk, and opportunity.

🧠 Supports executive teams in designing AI centers of excellence.

Loren’s balanced, systems-level view exemplifies Minneapolis’ engineering-forward approach to ethical AI.

Engineering the Future: How the Twin Cities Are Leading in Applied AI

From renewable energy models to automated manufacturing lines, the Twin Cities have embraced AI not as a trend, but as a core engineering competency. Consultants here uniquely combine Midwestern practicality with global innovation, helping businesses scale with purpose.

As industries like healthtech, logistics, and advanced manufacturing continue to grow, these consultants represent the bridge between code and creativity—between data models and real-world results.

For further guidance, see our resources on:

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Digital Reference connects organizations with top AI and ML talent aligned to their industry and values. By showcasing Minneapolis leaders, we highlight the region's strong engineering culture and commitment to ethical AI. These consultants don’t just build models — they build trust, systems, and long-term innovation, representing the best of practical, principled AI excellence.