Google Turns 27: Celebrating Innovation, Search, and Beyond

On September 27, 2025, the world celebrates Google’s 27th birthday—marking over a quarter-century since two Stanford PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, transformed the way we access information. From a simple search engine in a garage to a global tech giant influencing AI, cloud computing, and digital advertising, Google’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

The Humble Beginnings

Google was founded in 1998, but its story begins earlier in 1996, when Larry and Sergey started working on a research project called Backrub, a search engine that ranked web pages based on backlinks. By 1997, the domain Google.com was registered, inspired by the mathematical term googol, representing the number 1 followed by 100 zeros—a nod to their mission to organize a vast amount of information.

Google’s Growth Over 27 Years

Over the past 27 years, Google has grown into much more than a search engine. Here’s a snapshot of its evolution:

• Search Engine: Still at the core of Google’s success, it processes over 8.5 billion searches per day as of 2025.
• Gmail (2004): Revolutionized email with its storage capacity and search functionality.
• Google Maps (2005): Changed how people navigate and explore the world.
• Android (2008): Became the world’s most popular mobile operating system.
• Google Chrome (2008): Dominates web browsing with speed and simplicity.
• YouTube (Acquired 2006): Became the hub for video content and creators worldwide.
• Google AI & Cloud: From AI assistants to cloud solutions, Google leads innovation in tech.

Fun Facts About Google

• Google’s first server was made out of LEGO bricks.
• The Google logo has had multiple redesigns, with the current version introduced in 2015.
• Google celebrates its birthday with interactive doodles every year.

Google Doodles: A Creative Tradition

Every year, Google marks its birthday with a special Google Doodle. These doodles honor art, culture, and innovation. The birthday doodle has become a tradition, reminding us how Google itself has grown into an icon of creativity and information.

Looking Ahead

As Google celebrates 27 years of innovation, the company continues to focus on AI, quantum computing, and sustainable technologies. From improving user experiences to tackling global challenges, Google’s influence remains immense.

Conclusion

Google’s journey from a Stanford project to a tech giant is inspiring. On its 27th birthday, we celebrate not just the company but its impact on how billions of people search, communicate, and interact with the world every day. Here’s to many more years of innovation and discovery!