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Demis Hassabis

Demis Hassabis is a British artificial intelligence researcher, entrepreneur, and computer scientist best known as the co-founder and chief executive officer of Google DeepMind.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Demis Hassabis is a British artificial intelligence researcher, entrepreneur, and computer scientist best known as the co-founder and chief executive officer of Google DeepMind. In 2024, he shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with John M. Jumper and David Baker for work on protein structure prediction using AI. He is also a co-founder of Isomorphic Labs and has served as a UK government AI adviser.

Early life and education

Hassabis was born in London on 27 July 1976. He studied computer science and cognitive neuroscience. His background combines computer science, neuroscience, and game design, which influenced his later AI work.

DeepMind and Google DeepMind

He co-founded DeepMind in 2010 with Shane Legg and Mustafa Suleyman. The company was acquired by Google in 2014 and became Google DeepMind. Hassabis later became chief executive officer of Google DeepMind, where he has overseen major advances in machine learning and AI research.

Scientific work and recognition

Hassabis is associated with AlphaGo and AlphaFold, two landmark AI systems. In 2024, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for AI-based protein structure prediction research shared with John M. Jumper and David Baker.

Other ventures and roles

He co-founded Isomorphic Labs, a company focused on applying AI to drug discovery. He has also served as a UK Government AI Adviser.

Key facts

  • Born in London on 27 July 1976.
  • Co-founded DeepMind in 2010.
  • DeepMind was acquired by Google in 2014.
  • Led or supported major AI systems including AlphaGo and AlphaFold.
  • Shared the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for protein structure prediction research.
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Canadian context

He is relevant to Canadian readers through his global influence on AI research, which affects Canadian technology policy, education, and industry, especially in areas such as health, science, and machine learning.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Demis Hassabis?
He is a British AI researcher, entrepreneur, and computer scientist best known as the co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind.
What is Demis Hassabis known for?
He is known for co-founding DeepMind and for work associated with AlphaGo and AlphaFold, two major AI breakthroughs.
Did Demis Hassabis win a Nobel Prize?
Yes. He shared the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for AI research related to protein structure prediction.
What company did Demis Hassabis co-found?
He co-founded DeepMind in 2010 and later co-founded Isomorphic Labs.
Where was Demis Hassabis born?
He was born in London, England.
What is Demis Hassabis’s connection to the UK government?
He has served as a UK Government AI Adviser.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demis_Hassabis
    Supports: Birth date, British nationality, DeepMind co-founding, Google DeepMind role, Isomorphic Labs, UK Government AI Adviser, 2024 Nobel Prize
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Demis-Hassabis
    Supports: Birth date/place, British computer scientist, 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for AI protein structure prediction
  3. MIT Center for Brains, Minds & Machines — https://cbmm.mit.edu/about/people/hassabis
    Supports: DeepMind co-founder and CEO, Google acquisition, AlphaGo and broader AI leadership
  4. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/09/demis-hassabis-from-video-game-designer-to-nobel-prize-winner-google-deepmind-ai-
    Supports: Early career background, DeepMind acquisition, knighthood, Nobel Prize context