Google DeepMinds reported clampdown on sharing research will stifle AI innovation, warns the CEO of Iris.ai, one of Europes leading startups in the space.The UK-based lab has tightened its rules on releasing AI studies, the Financial Times reported this week. Citing seven current and former DeepMind scientists, the newspaper said the company has introduced stricter vetting and additional bureaucracy, making it harder to publish research. The changes aim to protect the companys edge in AI, the sources said.Acquired by Google in 2014, DeepMind has long been a leader in computer science breakthroughs. In recent years, however, the lab has faced increasing competition from the likes of OpenAI and DeepSeek. Under growing pressure to stay ahead, the company is reportedly erecting new barriers around its innovations and reputation.The new constraints have alarmed Anita Schjll Abildgaard, co-founder and CEO of Iris.ai, a Norwegian startup developing an AI-powered engine for science. She fears DeepMinds restrictions will hinder technological advances.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!DeepMinds decision marks the end of an era of openness and collaboration in AI research, she said.The impact on AIOn first impression, the changes at DeepMind may appear beneficial for other AI labs. The companys pioneering innovations and enormous citation counts have overshadowed other researchers in the field, who could now receive a larger share of the spotlight. But Abildgaard warns the drawbacks will far outweigh the benefits.Researchers across industries will have less access to DeepMinds undoubtedly impressive work, she said.She pointed to the example of DeepMinds AlphaFold, a system that predicts protein structure with remarkable accuracy. The software has been hailed as a solution to one of biologys biggest mysteries, with potential to fuel countless advances, from discovering new drugs to tackling climate change.Its hard to imagine projects of this importance being released so readily under this new diktat, Abildgaard said.The impacts, she warned, could be severe. In response, she urged AI companies to strengthen their commitment to openness.Europe, in particular, has one of the most fertile open-source research communities in the world, she said. As DeepMind looks inwards, smaller research communities can differentiate themselves from the American giants by embracing collaboration.Europes AI sector features prominently in the agenda forTNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Ticketsfor the event are now on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with