At the recent Google I/O 2025, attendees were in for a surprise when Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin made an unexpected appearance alongside DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis during a much-anticipated fireside chat. Originally scheduled as a solo session with Hassabis, the conversation—moderated by Big Technology’s Alex Kantrowitz—delved into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, Google’s Gemini platform, and the company’s ambitious roadmap toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
AGI and the Gemini Ambition
Demis Hassabis offered insights into the definition of AGI, distinguishing it from today’s AI systems. He explained that while human brains excel across a broad range of tasks—spanning creativity, logic, and scientific innovation—modern AI models remain narrowly focused or perform at average levels across multiple domains. “Today’s systems are not consistent enough to be called truly general,” Hassabis said, though he acknowledged that just “one or two more breakthroughs” could make AGI attainable.
In a bold statement, Brin predicted that AGI will be achieved “before 2030,” confidently adding, “We fully intend that Gemini will be the first AGI.” Hassabis, slightly more conservative, suggested AGI might arrive “just after” 2030.
Brin’s Comeback from Retirement
Brin’s presence wasn’t just symbolic—he revealed that he came out of retirement in 2023 specifically to contribute to Google’s AI momentum. “As a computer scientist, it’s a very unique time in history. Honestly, anyone who’s a computer scientist should not be retired right now—they should be working on AI,” Brin remarked, underlining his commitment to securing Google’s first-mover advantage in the AI race.
Gemini, Veo 3, and What’s Next
The session also touched upon the expansion of Gemini’s capabilities, including the rollout of Veo 3, Google’s latest video-generation model, across 71 countries. This, along with the long-term Tensor chip collaboration with TSMC expected to power future Pixel devices, highlights Google’s multi-pronged approach to leading the next generation of AI technology.
As the race toward AGI heats up, Brin’s re-entry into the fold sends a clear signal: Google isn’t just aiming to keep up—it wants to lead.
