In the world of AI, where changes can be sweeping and instantaneous, similar is the dynamics of power. Mira Murati, ex-CTO of OpenAI, just set up her own AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, and in this tech-world heist, she had 20 researchers from OpenAI join her. If AI were chess, Murati just shouted, “Check!” while sipping her coffee. So what does that mean for the future of AI, and why, suddenly, does OpenAI look like a coffee shop on a busy Monday morning with hardly any staff?
Former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati’s new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, is already throwing a major twist in the AI research space. Announced last Tuesday, the company has bragged of collecting the best researchers and engineers working in the leading AI companies, including OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral. The incident bears testament to Murati’s industry influence, as about two-thirds of the young startup’s workforce comprises such ex-OpenAI employees.
Powerhouse Team:
One of the most notable arrivals is Barret Zoph, the renowned AI researcher who left OpenAI on the same date as Murati late in September and will join the startup as the Chief Technology Officer. Another star player, John Schulman, who co-founded OpenAI will be the startup’s Chief Scientist. Schulman at one time went from OpenAI to Anthropic in August arguing that he wanted to shift his focus towards the area of AI alignment, a primal arena that ensures that the AI models remain aligned with human values in the spaces of safety and reliability.
According to sources, more ex-OpenAI employees are expected to join Murati’s venture. The company might have already begun talks to raise funding from venture capitalists, evidence of investors’ great interest in the mission established by the startup. At this stage, I believe that OpenAI might need an AI-powered therapist.
New Vision for AI Development:
Thinking Machines Lab is going to position itself as an AI company claiming to build something more visionary and carrying an ethical veil than any of the companies doing something similar. The startup said, “While current systems excel at programming and mathematics, we’re building AI that can adapt to the full spectrum of human expertise and enable a broader spectrum of applications”.
Another unique selling point of Thinking Machines Lab is its cross-design approach whereby teams from research and product development work together on a common problem. They build artificial intelligence solutions that are very innovative and also practical. The company has plans to dedicate a significant portion of its funds to AI alignment research by open-sourcing datasets, making model specifications available, and publishing research results.
Murati influence:
An active participant in the development of AI, Mira Murati began her work at OpenAI in 2018. She took a leadership position in the development of ChatGPT and many times represented OpenAI in public together with CEO Sam Altman. However, she abruptly left OpenAI amid the transition of its governance structure, joined by several other high-profile exits. Murati was formerly at the helm of numerous Tesla projects as well as those at augmented reality startup Leap Motion, gathering ample experience in cutting-edge technological advancement.
OpenAI’s Departure:
Murati is an additional name in the growing list of former OpenAI executives diversifying out into their new endeavours. Other famous AI projects set up by OpenAI alumni include Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence, which have managed to attract significant investment, and talent alike from OpenAI. Thinking Machines Labs looks poised to be a regular player able to build on its solid research base, courtesy of Murati’s industry experience.
As the AI ecosystem continues to change, Thinking Machines Lab ushers in yet another chapter in the race for building next-generation artificial intelligence. With an impressive cast, a heavy focus on AI alignment, and a commitment to openness in research, Murati’s newly birthed venture is expected to cause ripples across the industry and the future of AI just got a lot more competitive.
Also Read: South Korea’s AI Power Play; Securing 10,000 GPUs for the Future
