India AI Impact Summit 2026: Demis Hassabis says India set to be ‘powerhouse’ in AI as Google DeepMind expands research partnerships

During the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind, expressed strong confidence that India is on the verge of becoming a significant global player in artificial intelligence. He emphasized the growing partnerships between the tech giant and various sectors, including government and academia, which aim to bolster research and educational initiatives across the nation. Hassabis shared his excitement about the vibrant talent pool and the innovative spirit he encountered during his recent visits to Indian tech hubs, particularly at DeepMind's extensive research center in Bengaluru. "I’ve been truly impressed with my experiences in India," he remarked, noting the company's commitment to critical research areas such as efficient AI models, continual learning, and multilingual capabilities. His visit to the Indian Institute of Science left him inspired by the enthusiasm of both students and faculty. "Their passion for AI and their creative ideas on how to leverage it for India’s advancement in the global arena are remarkably encouraging," he stated. With this dynamic environment, Hassabis believes India is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the international AI landscape. As part of its commitment, Google DeepMind announced new collaborations with Indian governmental bodies and educational institutions. These initiatives will introduce AI tools aimed at enhancing scientific research and learning experiences, including advanced models for researchers and students. The company is also looking to support educational innovation through programs like Atal Tinkering Labs, focusing on safely integrating generative AI in classrooms. Furthermore, Hassabis highlighted the significance of commercial partnerships, particularly with Reliance Industries. He expressed pride in their collaboration with Mukesh Ambani and Reliance Jio, aiming to democratize AI access in India through the deployment of their Gemini foundation models. Looking beyond India, Hassabis underscored the rapid advancements towards artificial general intelligence (AGI). He predicted that AGI could be realized within the next five years, likening its potential impact to the advent of fire or electricity. "This could result in changes far more significant than the Industrial Revolution, but occurring at an unprecedented speed," he warned, foreshadowing a transformative era in human history.