Murati, OpenAI Alum, Unveils New AI Venture

Mira Murati, the former CTO of OpenAI, has launched an ambitious AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab. This new venture seeks to reshape the AI landscape by prioritizing collaboration, transparency, and alignment with human values. Drawing on her experience and deep connections in the industry, Murati has already assembled a team of top-tier researchers and engineers from OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral, including her former colleague Barret Zoph, now the startup's CTO.

A New Vision for AI Alignment. At the heart of Thinking Machines Lab’s strategy is AI alignment, which focuses on integrating human values into AI systems to ensure they are safe and reliable. The startup aims to build AI systems that not only complement human expertise but also adapt to a wide range of applications. Murati’s approach differs from many in the field by combining research and product development teams early on, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure AI systems can be tailored to specific user needs.

Industry Heavyweights Join the Team. Thinking Machines Lab's team boasts some significant names in AI. Notably, OpenAI co-founder John Schulman, a key figure in AI alignment, has been appointed as the startup's chief scientist. His presence signals the startup’s strong commitment to developing AI that aligns with human ethics. The company has also drawn interest from investors, with reports suggesting Murati is seeking to raise over $100 million to fuel her ambitious plans for the future.

Competing in a Crowded AI Market. In a crowded field, Thinking Machines Lab aims to stand out by focusing on real-world AI models and a commitment to open science. Murati envisions AI systems that are accessible, transparent, and designed to meet human needs.

The startup is set to foster a more open, scientifically rigorous AI ecosystem by sharing code and model specifications. By emphasizing human values and transparency, Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab hopes to set a new standard for AI development.