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Alphabet\u2019s life sciences arm Verily laid off staff and eliminated its entire devices program Monday. <\/p>\n
CEO Stephen Gillett announced the \u201cdifficult decision\u201d to wind down the program in a staff memo<\/a>, according to Business Insider.<\/p>\n \u201cOver the years, Verily has built a legacy in developing world-class, innovative medical devices,\u201d Gillett wrote, noting that the \u201cpath forward requires difficult decisions\u201d as Verily refocuses on AI and data infrastructure.<\/p>\n The move continues Alphabet\u2019s aggressive efforts to invest in AI while cutting costs elsewhere. The company has conducted multiple rounds of layoffs in recent years, including cuts to its HR and cloud units in February<\/a> and voluntary exit programs for its more than 25,000 Platforms & Devices employees in spring.<\/p>\n Alphabet\u2019s biggest recent layoffs came in January 2023, when it slashed 12,000 jobs<\/a> \u2014 6% of its workforce at the time \u2014 in anticipation of an economic slowdown.<\/p>\n That same month, ChatGPT became the fastest-growing consumer software application in history, gaining over 100 million users in two months and kicking off the generative AI boom that today drives the tech industry\u2019s priorities. <\/p>\n