Google DeepMind is deepening its investment in the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of a new AI research lab in Singapore, reinforcing the country’s growing status as a global hub for artificial intelligence innovation. The move comes as Singapore continues to push forward with ambitious national initiatives, including National AI Strategy 2.0 and Smart Nation 2.0, and maintain an open stance toward international talent and tech collaboration.
The expansion builds on years of Google’s commitment to the region, following a more-than doubling of the Google DeepMind APAC team in the past year. The new lab will support advanced work in AI research, development, and real-world application, serving both regional needs and Google’s broader technological progress.
Driving Gemini and Frontier AI Innovation in APAC
Google DeepMind’s growing Singapore-based team will comprise research scientists, software engineers, operations specialists, and AI impact experts. Their work will focus on frontier research that enhances linguistic and cultural inclusivity in AI systems, strengthens Gemini’s core capabilities, and brings next-generation models to Google products and Cloud customers.
The new lab will also serve as a collaboration hub, enabling direct partnerships with government agencies, industry leaders, civil society groups, and top academic institutions across Asia Pacific.
AI for Good: Positive Impact Already Underway in Singapore
Singapore is already home to breakthrough examples of Google DeepMind’s technology in action:
- Scientific research: A*STAR and the National Neuroscience Institute leveraged AlphaFold to pioneer new insights into Parkinson’s Disease.
- Public services: GovTech, CSA, IMDA, and Google co-developed an AI agent sandbox to safely test autonomous public-sector solutions.
- Language innovation: Through Project Aquarium and a deepened partnership with AI Singapore, the team helped advance SEA-LION, a suite of LLMs tailored to Southeast Asian cultural and linguistic contexts, including the newly launched multimodal SEA-LION v4 built on Gemma 3.
- Education: Students across Singapore now receive one-year free access to the Google AI Pro Plan, while Gemini Academy, introduced through IMDA’s Singapore Digital Office, expands AI literacy for learners of all ages.
- Startups: The Google for Startups: AI First accelerator continues to support homegrown AI innovators tackling key economic, social, and environmental challenges.
These milestones showcase the transformative potential of responsible AI development when paired with Singapore’s innovative ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
With its new research lab, Google DeepMind aims to accelerate AI breakthroughs tailored for Asia Pacific’s diverse communities. By working closely with partners across the region, the company remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared widely, empowering industries, supporting public services, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation.
