Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis reveals who will use AI 10 times more effectively than everyone else, & why students should still learn coding

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape workplaces, many students and young professionals worry that AI could replace traditional coding and software engineering jobs. However, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis believes those with strong technical foundations will be among the biggest beneficiaries of the technology.

Speaking at a business conference in London, Hassabis said students should continue to embrace STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and computer science, arguing that AI is more likely to enhance the work of skilled professionals than replace them.

STEM knowledge will make AI more powerful, says Hassabis

According to Business Insider, Hassabis explained that understanding software engineering fundamentals will help people get far more value from AI tools.


"You absolutely needed to lean into STEM and computer science. It's just a higher-level programming language is the way you can think about what programming is going to become," Hassabis said.

He added that while AI is changing how software is built, core engineering knowledge remains essential.

"You're still going to need to know about architecting things and best software engineering practices. Those people who understand the deep technical, they'll be able to use these tools 10 times more effectively than people who don't have that technical knowledge."

His comments suggest that AI is becoming a productivity tool rather than a replacement for skilled software engineers.

AI won't eliminate the need for software engineers

Hassabis argued that AI will automate parts of programming but will not remove the need for human expertise.

Instead, professionals with a solid understanding of software architecture, coding principles and engineering best practices will be better positioned to use AI effectively for building applications, solving complex problems and improving productivity.

As AI-generated coding tools become more common, technical knowledge is expected to remain a key advantage.

Humanities will become increasingly important

While encouraging students to pursue STEM subjects, Hassabis also stressed the growing importance of the humanities in an AI-driven world.

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winner said subjects such as philosophy and economics will play an increasingly important role as society navigates the ethical and social challenges created by artificial intelligence.

"I also believe that the time is now for the humanities like philosophy, economics. I think we really need them in the world we're about to enter."

His remarks highlight the need for a balance between technical expertise and an understanding of AI's broader societal impact.

Demis Hassabis on the future of AGI

Hassabis has previously shared optimistic projections about the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), AI capable of performing intellectual tasks at a human level.

He said international collaboration between governments, researchers and technology companies will become increasingly important as AGI development advances.

"For me, it's this question of international standards and cooperation and also not just between countries, but also between companies and researchers as we get towards the final steps of AGI."

He added: "And I think we are on the cusp of that. Maybe we are five to 10 years out. Some people say shorter, I wouldn't be surprised."

Who is Demis Hassabis?

Sir Demis Hassabis is a British artificial intelligence (AI) researcher, entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Google DeepMind. He also co-founded Isomorphic Labs and serves as an AI adviser to the UK government.

In 2024, Hassabis and John M. Jumper were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering AI research on protein structure prediction. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society and has received several prestigious honours, including the Breakthrough Prize, the Canada Gairdner International Award and the Lasker Award.

Hassabis was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2017 and was knighted in 2024 for his contributions to artificial intelligence. He was named among Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2017 and 2025, and was also recognised as one of the "Architects of AI" in Time's 2025 Person of the Year list.


Inputs from agencies