**The big picture:** Toptal has introduced ExpertCrowd, a new platform designed to train and refine AI models using its global network of highly skilled domain experts. **Why it matters:** This initiative highlights the growing demand for specialized human expertise in advancing AI development, creating new avenues for contingent talent in the tech sector. **Between the lines:** - ExpertCrowd focuses on RLHF, RL data generation, data labeling, and model evaluation for AI systems. - The platform leverages Toptal's network of over 30,000 experts, including 1,000 PhD-level AI specialists. - ExpertCrowd has already generated over $5 million in recurring revenue prior to its official launch. **Staffing & HR impact:** This move creates new opportunities for highly specialized freelance talent in AI, potentially increasing demand for niche skills and impacting recruiter strategies for sourcing advanced technical experts. It also underscores the evolving nature of work in the AI era, where human oversight remains critical. **The bottom line:** Human expertise is becoming an indispensable component in the frontier of AI development.