Google is creating a new AI-focused group called Google DeepMind.

Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) is merging two of its research divisions, Google Brain and DeepMind, in an effort to bolster its position in the increasingly competitive field of artificial intelligence (AI). The move will allow both groups to work more closely together and take advantage of Google’s computational resources.

Jeff Dean, currently the head of Google’s AI efforts, will be promoted to the position of chief scientist and will be in charge of overseeing the most crucial AI-related technical projects including powerful, multimodal AI models. (CNBC)

“This means cracking seemingly impossible, foundational and long-term challenges in computer science — including in Al and ML — that benefit people’s lives around the world, from algorithms and theory to privacy and security to quantum computing, health, responsible Al, and more,” said CEO Sundar Pichai said in a memo to employees.

DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis will head the development of general AI systems that would power the next generation of Google’s products and services.

Areas such as algorithms and theory, privacy and security, quantum computing, health, and ethical AI will remain the domain of Google Research.

Google acquired DeepMind in 2014 for a rumored $500 million, and it has until now been run as an independent unit. DeepMind has been responsible for several breakthroughs, such as AlphaFold, which can predict 3D models of protein structures.

The merger follows OpenAI’s launch of its chatbot ChatGPT in 2022 and Google’s reshuffling of its Assistant organization to prioritize the company’s AI chatbot Bard. The rapid advancements in AI have prompted Google to undertake its latest reorganization, and it will unfold over the next few weeks.

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Image: DeepMind’s New York office