Former OpenAI CTO Launches New AI Startup: Thinking Machines Lab

Aiming to Revolutionize AI with Human Values

On Tuesday, Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, announced the launch of her new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab. The company is backed by a talented team of approximately 30 researchers and engineers, many of whom have come from well-known competitors such as OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral.

Enhancing AI with Human Values

Thinking Machines Lab aims to create artificial intelligence systems that are deeply aligned with human values. This ambition sets it apart in the competitive AI startup landscape, as the company seeks to broaden the application of AI technologies beyond the current capabilities offered by its rivals, according to an official blog post.

Murati’s Track Record

Mira Murati has a well-established history in the AI field. During her tenure at OpenAI, she played a crucial role in the development of ChatGPT and represented the organization as a public figure alongside CEO Sam Altman. Her efforts to recruit top talent from her previous employer illustrate her leadership and influence in the industry.

Key Team Members

Two-thirds of the team at Thinking Machines Lab comprises former OpenAI employees. Notably, Barret Zoph, a prominent researcher, joined Murati on the same day in late September and will serve as the startup’s Chief Technology Officer.

Additionally, John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI, is joining the startup as Chief Scientist. Schulman left OpenAI to focus on AI alignment, which is a primary mission of Thinking Machines Lab.

The Importance of AI Alignment

AI alignment refers to the process of embedding human values into AI models to ensure their safety and reliability. This is a central focus of Thinking Machines Lab, reflecting a commitment to developing responsible AI technologies that can operate in diverse environments.

Future Talent Recruitment

Insider sources have indicated that more OpenAI employees are expected to join Thinking Machines Lab, enhancing its research capabilities and expertise. The company is reportedly in discussions to secure venture capital funding to support its ambitious goals.

Competitive Landscape

Thinking Machines Lab is joining a growing roster of startups founded by former OpenAI executives. Competitors like Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence have already attracted significant investments and talented researchers from OpenAI.

A Unique Approach to AI Development

The startup claims its approach distinguishes it from others in the field due to its collaborative co-design process involving both research and product teams. This model aims to facilitate contributions to AI alignment research through the sharing of code, datasets, and model specifications, further driving innovation in the field.

Looking Towards the Future

“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,” the startup states, highlighting its mission to create more versatile AI systems.

Murati’s Background

Mira Murati joined OpenAI in June 2018 after previously working at Tesla and augmented reality startup Leap Motion. Her diverse experience contributes valuable perspectives to the challenges of AI development.

High-Profile Exits from OpenAI

Murati’s sudden departure from OpenAI adds to a series of high-profile exits from the organization, coinciding with significant governance structure changes within the company.

Conclusion

With a talented team and a clear focus on human values, Thinking Machines Lab is set to carve its niche in the burgeoning AI startup ecosystem. As the company embarks on this exciting journey, the industry will be watching closely to see how it navigates the complexities of AI alignment and strives to redefine the capabilities of artificial intelligence.