Demis Hassabis is one of the foremost experts on artificial intelligence, a visionary leader, and an in-demand keynote speaker. With a background spanning neuroscience, computer science, and gaming, he brings a unique perspective to high-performance innovation and AI's transformative potential. As the co-founder and CEO of Google DeepMind, he has led groundbreaking developments in AI, including the revolutionary AlphaFold, which earned him the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. A compelling speaker, he shares insights on AI’s power to reshape industries, the ethical considerations of its rapid advancement, and the future of human-machine collaboration.
Hassabis’ journey to AI mastery began at an early age. A child prodigy, he was the second-best chess player in the world at just 12 years old, demonstrating an extraordinary ability for strategic thinking. After graduating with a double first in Computer Science from Cambridge University in 1997, he became the lead AI programmer at Lionhead Studios and later founded Elixir Studios in 1998, where he worked on BAFTA-nominated games such as “Evil Genius” and “Republic: The Revolution.” His passion for intelligence—both artificial and biological—led him to pursue a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, which laid the foundation for his pioneering AI research.
In 2010, Hassabis co-founded Google DeepMind, now recognised as one of the world’s most influential AI research labs. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, the Princess of Asturias Award, and the Global Swiss AI Award. In 2017, he was appointed a CBE and named among the Time 100 Most Influential People. In 2024 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing AlphaFord, a revolutionary scientific discovery with far-reaching implications for medicine and biotechnology. In 2024, he was knighted for Services to AI, cementing his status as one of the most important minds of our time.
Hassabis is sought after as a keynote speaker for his ability to articulate complex technological advancements in an accessible and thought-provoking manner. His talks offer unparalleled insight into AI’s rapid development, from its vast potential to its ethical challenges. As a UK Government AI Adviser and Fellow of the Royal Society, he warns of AI’s risks while championing responsible innovation. Businesses and institutions worldwide hire him to understand the future of AI, making him an essential voice in shaping the digital era.