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The Decoder
Google keeps losing top AI researchers to rivals
A series of significant departures from Google’s AI division is causing alarm among investors and industry observers. Key researchers, including Jonas Adler and Alexander Pritzel, known for their roles in developing Google's Gemini AI model, are set to join Anthropic. Nobel laureate John Jumper and key Gemini team member Noam Shazeer are also transitioning to Anthropic and OpenAI, respectively. This trend reflects the competitive landscape of AI research, especially as both Anthropic and OpenAI gear up for IPOs, offering appealing equity packages. Google Deepmind's leadership disputes claims of a talent exodus, asserting that the company possesses the industry's best research talent.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizonTalent displacement risk: High
Published 25 Jun 2026, 10:10 UTC1 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Jonas Adler and Alexander Pritzel leaving Google for Anthropic.
- John Jumper, a Nobel laureate, has joined Anthropic.
- Noam Shazeer, lead of Gemini AI, departs for OpenAI.
- Significant concern from investors regarding AI leadership.
- Anthropic and OpenAI poised for IPOs attracting talent.
Interesting facts
- Deepmind engineers switch to Anthropic eleven times more often than vice versa.
- Anthropic can offer lucrative equity as they approach an IPO.
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