Aug 5, 2026
Alphabet announced a significant restructuring of its AI leadership, with Demis Hassabis stepping down as Google DeepMind CEO to become chief scientist and chairman, while longtime chief scientist Jeff Dean is leaving after 27 years to found a new AI startup. The shake-up sent Alphabet shares down more than 5%.
Google announced major AI leadership changes with chief scientist Jeff Dean leaving after 27 years and Demis Hassabis stepping down as DeepMind CEO to become Alphabet's chief scientist. Multiple senior AI researchers are also departing to launch their own startup.
World model AI startup Odyssey ML, founded by self-driving vehicle pioneers, secured $310 million in funding at a $1.45 billion valuation. The round was backed by Amazon, Nvidia, AMD, CIA-linked fund IQT, and Google chief scientist Jeff Dean.