In an unexpected moment at Google I/O 2025, company co-founder Sergey Brin made a surprise appearance alongside DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis to discuss the evolving path toward artificial general intelligence.
Highlights
- Sergey Brin made a surprise appearance at Google I/O 2025 during a panel with DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis on AGI and AI ethics.
- Brin emphasized urgency in AI development, stating that “any computer scientist shouldn’t be retired right now.”
- AGI timeline predictions differed: Brin believes it will arrive before 2030, while Hassabis estimates just after—both say only “one or two breakthroughs” are needed.
- Google’s Gemini AI platform is described by Brin as the company’s primary candidate to become the first AGI system.
- Brin is actively back at Google, working nearly daily on Gemini, using internal AI tools for management and project efficiency.
- He promotes intense in-office culture, encouraging AI teams to work at least 60 hours weekly to stay competitive.
- Made headlines for his “AI behaves better when threatened” remark, sparking debate on AI behavior and motivation metaphors.
- Reflects on past failures like Google Glass but remains optimistic about future XR and AI initiatives.
- His appearance signals renewed urgency and leadership in Google’s AGI efforts amid fierce competition from rivals.
The session, originally scheduled as a solo conversation with Hassabis, shifted into a broader dialogue about AI development, ethics, and innovation, offering rare insights into Brin’s return to Google’s AI initiatives.
The conversation, moderated by Big Technology founder Alex Kantrowitz, was streamed live on YouTube and quickly drew attention across the tech community for its candid tone and ambitious outlook.
Sergey Brin’s Perspective on AI and Retirement
Brin, who stepped back from Google’s daily operations years ago, explained his decision to re-engage with the company in 2023, amid a surge of interest and investment in generative AI.
“As a computer scientist, it’s a very unique time in history,” Brin noted. “Honestly, anybody who’s a computer scientist should not be retired right now. Should be working on AI.”
AI and the Path to AGI
Brin and Hassabis discussed the current trajectory of AI, particularly the development of systems that exhibit broader reasoning and creativity.
Hassabis described the state of large language models as “quite general, yet not consistent enough to be considered fully general,” highlighting the gap between current capabilities and the attributes needed for AGI.
When asked whether AGI could be achieved before or after 2030, Brin replied, “Before,” whereas Hassabis leaned toward “Just after.” Despite the difference in estimates, both suggested that AGI may only require “one or two more breakthroughs.”
Brin also remarked that Google’s Gemini platform remains central to the company’s vision for AGI:
“We fully intend that Gemini will be the very first AGI,” he said, signaling Google’s continued integration of its AI efforts under the Gemini brand.
Brin’s Current Involvement in Google’s AI Projects
Since his return in 2023, Brin has reportedly resumed an active presence at Google, focusing largely on AI development efforts:
- Daily Engagement: Brin has been working “nearly every day” at Google’s offices, contributing to Gemini’s development and related AI initiatives.
- AI for Management: He has used internal AI tools to assist with operational tasks, including summarizing group chats and identifying team members for potential advancement.
- Observations on AI Behavior: In a separate conversation, Brin mentioned that AI models sometimes perform better when “threatened”—a comment that has sparked discussion due to its unconventional framing.
- Workplace Culture: Brin has reportedly encouraged AI teams to commit to in-office work of at least 60 hours per week, suggesting it is necessary to stay competitive in the AI sector.
- Acknowledging Past Projects: Reflecting on earlier projects like Google Glass, Brin acknowledged its shortcomings but expressed optimism for the future of Google’s XR (extended reality) initiatives.
Google’s AI Strategy
Brin’s public reappearance comes at a time of growing pressure on major tech firms to lead in the development of advanced AI systems.
While competitors and open-source groups rapidly advance their own models, Brin’s involvement appears to signal renewed internal urgency at Google to maintain a leadership position—particularly in foundational AI and AGI research.
His presence at I/O 2025 was more than symbolic. It highlighted not only the scale of Google’s AI ambitions but also the re-engagement of one of its original visionaries during a pivotal era in technological history.
