‘AI is where my scientific interest is’: Google’s Sergey Brin on why he came out of retirement

By Admin

26 May, 2025

Google co-founder Sergey Brin has always been known for his deep-rooted curiosity in science and innovation. After stepping down from his official role at Alphabet in 2019, Brin largely stayed away from the public eye. However, in 2023, he made a quiet but impactful return to Google, rejoining the company to help it navigate the fast-evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. At Google I/O 2025, he opened up about what drew him back: a genuine scientific passion for AI.

A Surprise Comeback

Brin made a surprise appearance during a fireside chat at the I/O conference that was originally expected to feature only Demis Hassabis, the head of Google DeepMind. With his trademark humor, Brin joked, “I torture people like Demis, who is pretty amazing. He tolerated me crashing this fireside.” But behind the humor was a deeper message — one of renewed purpose and intellectual engagement.

Deep Dive into Gemini

Since his return, Brin has been heavily involved in the development of Google’s Gemini AI models. “I come in pretty much every day now,” Brin said, noting how the work aligns with his natural interests. “I tend to be pretty deep in the technical details. And that’s a luxury I really enjoy, fortunately, because guys like Demis are minding the shop. And that’s just where my scientific interest is.”

Brin’s daily involvement signifies more than just mentorship — it's a hands-on commitment to keeping Google at the forefront of AI innovation, especially as competitors like OpenAI and Perplexity continue to push the envelope.

Betting Again on Wearables

Brin also shared his thoughts on Google’s revived ambitions in the wearable space. A decade after the fall of Google Glass, the company is now betting big on Extended Reality (XR). Google, in partnership with Samsung, is building an operating system for next-generation wearable devices like smart glasses and headsets.

Reflecting on past challenges, Brin said, “I just didn’t know anything about consumer electronic supply chains, really, and how hard it would be to build that and have it at a reasonable price point.” This time, however, Google appears to be taking a more calculated approach. At the I/O 2025 event, they showcased a prototype of XR-powered smart glasses equipped with Gemini AI capabilities — a glimpse into a future where AI and wearable tech converge seamlessly.

A Scientific Mind Still at Work

Brin’s return isn’t about titles or power — it’s about curiosity. It’s a reminder that true innovation often stems from passion, not position. By immersing himself once again in the technical depths of AI, Brin has reaffirmed his commitment to science and discovery. As he himself put it: “AI is where my scientific interest is.”

With visionary leaders like Brin back in the fold, Google’s pursuit of cutting-edge AI looks poised to reach even greater heights in the years ahead.