Kevin O'Leary Says 'AI Is No Different,' Technology Will Drive The 'Next Generation Of Innovation'

June 19, 2026 - 05:11

Investor Kevin O'Leary said artificial intelligence will reshape the global job market rather than eliminate it, arguing that the technology will drive new industries, faster innovation and higher-skilled employment opportunities.

On Tuesday, O'Leary told a business conference that fears about AI wiping out millions of jobs are overblown. He compared the current moment to the rise of the internet and the personal computer, which many initially feared would destroy jobs but ultimately created entirely new sectors.

"AI is no different," O'Leary said. "Every major technological leap has been met with the same panic. But what actually happens is that old roles fade and new, better ones appear."

He pointed to the rapid growth of AI-related startups and the increasing demand for engineers, data scientists and AI ethicists as evidence that the technology is already generating employment. O'Leary also predicted that AI would boost productivity across manufacturing, healthcare and finance, allowing workers to focus on higher-value tasks rather than repetitive manual labor.

"People who adapt will thrive," he added. "This is not about replacing humans. It is about augmenting what we can do."

O'Leary acknowledged that some low-skill jobs will disappear but stressed that the net effect will be positive. He urged governments and companies to invest heavily in retraining programs to prepare the workforce for the shift.

"The next generation of innovation will be driven by AI," he said. "The countries and companies that embrace it will lead the global economy for the next 50 years."