Google DeepMind’s Chief Technology Officer, Koray Kavukcuoglu, recently discussed the company’s advancements toward achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) during an interview with the Financial Times. Kavukcuoglu emphasized that while the company continues to make significant strides in AI technology, it currently lacks a definitive method for developing AGI, which remains a research goal rather than a completed project. This revelation comes on the heels of the launch of Gemini 3, which has prompted competitors like OpenAI to reevaluate their internal capabilities.
In the interview, Kavukcuoglu stated, “I think one thing that is really, really important for me is we do not have… the recipe of how to build AGI [because it is still research].” This admission underscores the ongoing challenges within the field, where even leading organizations struggle to establish a clear path toward creating a form of AI that can understand, learn, and perform a wide variety of tasks akin to human beings.
The release of Gemini 3 in November 2025 has heightened competition in the AI sector, leading OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to issue an internal “code red” aimed at enhancing ChatGPT’s performance. Altman has openly expressed his enthusiasm for AGI development, stating in a recent podcast that it is his “most excited” focus, even more than personal milestones. “AGI. Excited for that. All I am excited for. More than my kid, more excited for that. Probably that’s the thing I am most excited for ever in life,” he remarked.
As the race for AGI continues, figures within the tech community have called for a measured approach to its development. Mustafa Suleyman, head of AI at Microsoft, has voiced concerns about the potential risks associated with autonomous systems, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing human safety and ethical considerations. “We can’t build superintelligence just for superintelligence’s sake. It’s got to be for humanity’s sake, for a future we actually want to live in,” Suleyman stated, highlighting a growing sentiment among industry leaders that the pursuit of advanced AI must align with societal needs.
Kavukcuoglu emphasized that Google’s strategy for AGI will heavily incorporate user feedback and its existing infrastructure. He noted that building a beneficial AGI requires integrating security and safety considerations from the outset. According to him, understanding user signals—derived from Google’s extensive global user base—is crucial for directing technological development where it is most needed. This user-centric approach aims to ensure that AGI remains a tool for public benefit rather than merely a technological achievement.
In his remarks, Kavukcuoglu remarked, “Obviously, we are trying to build AGI. That’s our mission. That’s our goal. But I think one thing that is really, really important for me is we do not have . . . the recipe of how to build AGI [because it is still research].” He reiterated that focusing on the right products and understanding user needs will guide their technological progress. The CTO believes that AGI must ultimately be something useful to its users, underscoring the importance of aligning AI advancements with real-world applications.
As the dialogue surrounding AGI evolves, the balance between innovation and responsibility is becoming increasingly critical. Both Kavukcuoglu and Suleyman’s comments point to a collective recognition within the industry that as the capabilities of AI continue to expand, so too must the frameworks governing its development to ensure safety and societal benefit. The future of AGI remains uncertain, but the conversations surrounding its ethical implications are gaining momentum, suggesting that the tech industry is beginning to grapple seriously with the responsibilities that come with such powerful technologies.
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