Microsoft has intensified its pursuit of top-tier AI talent by hiring over 20 experts from Google’s DeepMind in six months, including Amar Subramanya, former head of engineering for Google’s Gemini chatbot. Subramanya’s arrival as corporate vice president of AI highlights Microsoft’s strategic talent acquisition amidst fierce competition for artificial general intelligence (AGI) and commercial AI innovations. Microsoft’s recruitment wave is spearheaded by Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, following a substantial acquisition deal. The hiring frenzy has driven salaries for elite AI engineers to $10 million–$20 million annually, drawing parallels with star athletes. Meanwhile, Google faces talent retention challenges, prompting it to implement stricter non-compete clauses for its AI staff. Although Google asserts its attrition rates are below industry averages, concerns linger about its ability to convert foundational AI research into groundbreaking products. Microsoft aims to leverage its growing AI division to compete effectively with Google and Meta in developing cutting-edge applications.
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