Google wagers on AI agents in 2026, while OpenAI calls on the US to take the lead in AI development

OpenAI Cofounder Greg Brockman Calls for US Leadership in AI, Highlights Healthcare and Enterprise Opportunities

Greg Brockman, cofounder of OpenAI, has said that the United States must take the lead in the development of artificial intelligence, highlighting its potential to transform healthcare, science, and education. In a year-end reflection posted on January 1 on X, Brockman said he and his wife have been actively involved in political discussions and have contributed to what he described as “American innovation.”

Brockman emphasised that AI presents a major opportunity to improve healthcare at scale, particularly in treating complex chronic conditions that often span multiple medical specialities. He said AI could also help reduce healthcare costs, promote scientific thinking, and expand access to high-quality education.

In a separate post, Brockman outlined two major AI themes he expects to shape the year ahead: enterprise AI adoption and scientific acceleration. He noted that while public debate around AI has increasingly focused on how the technology should be integrated into society, being supportive of AI does not mean opposing regulation.

“Pro-AI does not mean being anti-regulation,” Brockman said, stressing the need for policy initiatives to address security and safety challenges. He also pointed to America’s emphasis on infrastructure development and called for a growth-focused mindset in how technology policy is shaped.

AI Agents and Enterprise Adoption

Meanwhile, Google said in a post on X that AI agents are expected to play a significant role in 2026, helping boost productivity and deliver highly personalised, “five-star” consumer experiences. The company said AI will increasingly become central to business operations, strengthen security capabilities, and drive higher investment in workforce training as organisations prepare for an AI-driven future.

Google cited several enterprise examples of AI adoption. Canadian telecommunications firm Telus said more than 57,000 employees now use AI tools regularly, saving around 40 minutes per interaction. Brazilian pulp producer Suzano has developed an AI agent using Gemini Pro that converts natural language questions into SQL queries, reducing query times by 95% for its 50,000 employees.

Google also highlighted how Macquarie Bank is using Google Cloud AI to enhance fraud detection. According to the company, the system directs 38% more users to self-service channels and has reduced false-positive fraud alerts by 40%.

The developments underscore growing momentum around AI adoption across industries, as companies and policymakers increasingly focus on balancing innovation, regulation, and workforce readiness.