TIME Magazine recently had the opportunity to sit down with Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind, who was named on the 2025 TIME100 list. The list, which is compiled every five years, recognizes the most influential people in the world who are making a significant impact in their respective fields. Hassabis, a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence, has been making waves with his groundbreaking work at Google DeepMind.
During the interview, Hassabis shared his thoughts on being named on the TIME100 list and his vision for the future of AI. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition and credited his team at Google DeepMind for their hard work and dedication. “It’s an honor to be recognized on the TIME100 list alongside so many other incredible individuals who are making a difference in the world,” he said.
Hassabis, who has a background in neuroscience and computer science, co-founded Google DeepMind in 2010 with the goal of creating artificial intelligence that can learn and think like humans. The company has since made significant strides in the field of AI, with their algorithms beating world champions in games like Go and chess, and making breakthroughs in healthcare and energy efficiency.
When asked about his vision for the future of AI, Hassabis emphasized the potential for AI to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. “I believe that AI has the power to transform industries and improve people’s lives in ways we can’t even imagine yet,” he said. “We are just scratching the surface of what is possible with AI, and I am excited to see where it will take us in the future.”
Hassabis also addressed concerns about the potential negative impact of AI, such as job displacement and ethical issues. He stressed the importance of responsible development and regulation of AI, and the need for collaboration between governments, industry, and academia to ensure its safe and ethical use.
In addition to his work at Google DeepMind, Hassabis is also a renowned chess player and video game designer. He believes that his diverse background has helped him in his work with AI. “My background in chess and video games has taught me the importance of strategy, creativity, and problem-solving, which are all crucial skills in the field of AI,” he shared.
Hassabis also spoke about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, and how Google DeepMind is actively working towards creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. “Diversity is essential for innovation and progress. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment at Google DeepMind, where everyone’s voices are heard and valued,” he said.
As the interview came to a close, Hassabis reflected on the rapid advancements in AI and the potential for even greater breakthroughs in the future. He encouraged young people to pursue careers in AI and to be part of shaping its future. “The possibilities with AI are endless, and I believe that the next generation will be the ones to take it to new heights,” he said.
In conclusion, Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind, is a visionary leader who is pushing the boundaries of AI and making a significant impact in the world. His inclusion on the 2025 TIME100 list is a testament to his dedication and hard work, and we can’t wait to see what he and his team at Google DeepMind will achieve in the years to come.
