Gemma models surpass 900 million downloads, Google says

Google reports its Gemma models have surpassed 900 million downloads as the company reorganizes its AI leadership to accelerate progress toward artificial general intelligence. Demis Hassabis will become Chair of Google DeepMind and Chief Scientist of Alphabet, a role focused on shaping the future of AGI, which he describes as work vitally important to Alphabet and humanity.

This shift comes alongside growth for the Gemini app, now reaching 950 million monthly users, and recent advances in Gemini Robotics, signaling a broad push across Google’s AI portfolio. CEO Sundar Pichai shared the company is at a dynamic moment with significant opportunity ahead.

Gemma Models Drive 900 Million+ Downloads and User Growth

Google reports that its Gemma models have exceeded 900 million downloads, indicating broad adoption beyond typical developer and business use cases. This figure is notable when compared with the 950 million+ monthly users currently engaging with the Gemini app. Koray Kavukcuoglu’s appointment as SVP of Google DeepMind, alongside his existing role as Chief AI Architect, underscores the company’s commitment to rapid development of advanced AI models and the Gemini app.

Kavukcuoglu, who has been with DeepMind for 13 years, previously led breakthroughs like WaveNet and DQN. “We are building strong momentum,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, “Flash is in high demand, our Cyber model is live, and Gemma models have surpassed 900 million downloads.”

Hassabis described the current moment as standing “in the foothills of the singularity,” and will focus on shaping AGI’s development, work he calls vitally important to Alphabet and humanity. He will continue to lead Isomorphic Labs, and advise on model and research direction while accelerating progress there, where the goal is to apply AI to improve human health. “It’s time for AI to prove its unequivocal value to the world,” Hassabis stated, “and what better way to demonstrate that than to help finally cure diseases like cancer?”

Demis Hassabis Transitions to Chair of GDM & Alphabet Chief Scientist

This widespread adoption signals a broadening interest in AI beyond developer and business applications, demonstrating consumer appetite for the technology embedded within the Gemini ecosystem. A restructuring of leadership roles is underway to capitalize on this momentum. Hassabis will continue to lead Isomorphic Labs, maintaining close ties with the DeepMind teams as an advisor on models and research.

Koray Kavukcuoglu Named SVP of Google DeepMind, Overseeing Gemini Development

This restructuring, shared by Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, positions Kavukcuoglu to lead the organization and build on recent momentum. Pichai emphasized the company is committed to improving in key areas while maintaining a focus on the AI frontier. Kavukcuoglu’s 13-year tenure at DeepMind has been marked by significant contributions to the field, notably spearheading the development of WaveNet and DQN, foundational technologies in deep learning.

Hassabis noted that the Gemini models are “in good hands with Koray and the leads, as they have been for a while,” and highlighted progress with new models including Gemini 4. The appointment coincides with a period of substantial user engagement; the Gemini app has reached over 950 million monthly users, demonstrating a broadening interest beyond typical developer and business applications.

According to Hassabis, “We have arrived at a pivotal moment in human history,” and he outlined his focus on shaping the future of AGI in his new role. “It’s critical that we collectively get the next steps right to ensure this all goes well for humanity,” he stated.

Jeff Dean and Sanjay Ghemawat Launch ML Public Benefit Corporation

After a 27-year tenure at Google, Jeff Dean is embarking on a new venture alongside Sanjay Ghemawat, establishing an independent public benefit corporation focused on accelerating discoveries in machine learning, science, and engineering. This move, shared by Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, follows Dean’s instrumental role in shaping Google’s technological infrastructure, from early search capabilities to the neural networks underpinning modern artificial intelligence. Google will serve as a founding investor and Cloud partner for the new corporation, and will collaborate on a research framework for ML systems and related infrastructure advances.

The decision allows Dean and Ghemawat to concentrate on fundamental research and development outside the structure of a large technology company. Pichai noted the pair “helped to drive some of the most significant technology transitions,” highlighting their lasting impact on the field. This strategic shift underscores a broader reorganization within Google DeepMind, with Demis Hassabis becoming Chair of GDM and Chief Scientist of Alphabet, while Koray Kavukcuoglu is becoming SVP of GDM.