Google CEO Sundar Pichai urges tech companies to work together: ‘The best outcomes of AI are not guaranteed but…
Times of India
by TOI TECH DESKFebruary 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has called on tech companies to collaborate more closely in developing AI solutions, emphasizing the importance of innovation, responsible development, and ethical practices. Speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Pichai highlighted how AI has the potential to transform industries, solve complex scientific challenges, and improve billions of lives. However, he also stressed that achieving the best outcomes from AI is not guaranteed and requires bold action, responsibility, and global cooperation. He urged companies to work together to ensure AI benefits everyone, particularly those in underserved regions.
Pichai cited examples of AI's transformative power, such as Google DeepMind's AlphaFold breakthrough, which revolutionized protein structure prediction and has been used to advance medical research. He also highlighted investments in India, including a $15 billion infrastructure commitment, as well as partnerships in countries like El Salvador and Ghana, where AI is being used to address healthcare and education challenges. These initiatives demonstrate how AI can bridge gaps between developed and developing nations.
The CEO emphasized the need for responsible AI development, particularly in addressing the digital divide. He stressed the importance of investing in compute infrastructure, connectivity, and workforce training to ensure equitable access to AI benefits. Pichai also mentioned Google's efforts to train over 100 million people in digital skills and its new AI Professional Certificate program. He warned that if not managed carefully, AI could exacerbate existing inequalities, creating an "AI divide" instead of bridging the gap.
Pichai's address underscores why this matters globally: AI has the potential to solve some of humanity's most pressing challenges, but only if developed and deployed responsibly. Collaboration among tech companies, ethical practices, and a focus on inclusivity are essential to maximizing AI's positive impact. As AI continues to evolve, the world will need leaders like Pichai advocating for its responsible use to ensure it benefits everyone, not just a few.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026