RSM Launches NextWave: The Next Chapter in AI and Digital Innovation

TORONTO, ON – (June 23, 2025) – RSM today announced the rebranding of its annual flagship enterprise innovation program. Formerly known as the Innovation Challenge, the event is now called RSM NextWave, signalling the firm’s deepening focus on artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and future-ready client services.  

The launch of RSM NextWave comes alongside a US$1 billion, three-year investment to accelerate RSM’s AI strategy and embed intelligent automation across its business. This investment supports the integration of agentic AI—platforms capable of autonomously executing complex tasks in collaboration with humans—throughout RSM’s operations. It reflects RSM’s commitment to human-centred innovation and to delivering measurable impact for both employees and clients.

“NextWave is a reflection of RSM’s deep commitment to AI and our broader digital vision,” said Sergio de la Fe, enterprise digital leader and partner at RSM US LLP. “This initiative represents our belief that bold ideas—no matter where they originate—can redefine our firm and set new standards for the industry. We're not just preparing for the future—we're building it, together.” 

A strategic shift toward AI

The 2025 theme—“The NextWave of Service: Intelligent, Intuitive, AI-enabled”—underscores how AI and automation are transforming professional services, from smarter decision-making and streamlined workflows to a reimagined client experience. RSM NextWave is designed to surface and develop scalable solutions that integrate these technologies into the firm’s delivery models.

“Our passion for innovation and client service excellence drives us to harness the power of digital technologies to continually enhance our standards,” said Harry Blum, managing partner for RSM Canada. “NextWave empowers our team to lead and think beyond borders, putting people and ideas at the centre of transformation.”

With participation across Canada, the U.S., El Salvador and India, the program invites employees to contribute bold, forward-thinking ideas that advance RSM’s digital first agenda and support its focus to Be Compelling, Be Digital, Be Global.

Fuelling innovation from within

“At RSM, innovation means equipping our people to lead in a world transformed by AI,” said Alan Atwell, innovation leader for RSM US LLP. “NextWave challenges teams to think creatively, evaluate and prototype quickly and turn vision into action. It empowers everyone to drive change—and to reimagine how we serve the market.”

Throughout the summer, employees will form teams, ideate, test prototypes and prepare pitches. The program culminates in December with a fast-paced pitch session where teams present innovative ideas to a panel of senior leaders, who select the most transformative proposals. The winning team will receive individual recognition, and the RSM US Foundation will contribute US$40,000 to a charity of the team’s choice, aligned with the foundation’s mission of building tomorrow’s middle market leaders.   

A legacy of innovation and growth

Since its inception in 2018, RSM’s innovation program has evolved into a firmwide, global competition that drives real business impact.

• More than 2,000 employees have participated
• Over 300 prototypes have been developed—ranging from AI-powered tools to client service enhancements
• The initiative has become a cornerstone of RSM’s culture of innovation, celebrating employees as changemakers and thought leaders

RSM NextWave is more than an innovation challenge—it’s a platform for transformation, collaboration, and inclusive problem-solving. Even employees who aren’t competing directly are encouraged to engage by supporting teams, attending learning sessions, and contributing to conversations that shape the firm’s digital future.