Google has completed a talent acquisition deal worth more than $1.5 billion with AI startup Mechanize, strengthening its artificial intelligence research team.

The deal brings Mechanize cofounder and former CEO Tamay Besiroglu into Google as a research scientist. More than a dozen former Mechanize employees have also moved to Google, with many expected to work on improving AI model training.

Mechanize had been developing technology focused on improving the coding abilities of artificial intelligence systems. The company had also raised $9.1 million earlier this year at a valuation of around $500 million.

The move comes as Google continues to expand its AI capabilities and compete with other major technology companies. Talent acquisition has become an important strategy for large technology firms because experienced AI researchers and engineers are in high demand.

Google has previously brought entire teams from AI startups into the company, and the latest deal shows that the company continues to use this approach to strengthen its artificial intelligence division.