Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, has announced the launch of her new artificial intelligence startup, Thinking Machines Lab. With a team of approximately 30 top-tier researchers and engineers from major AI firms—including OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral—Murati aims to redefine AI development by prioritizing human values and broader applications.
A New Approach to AI
Thinking Machines Lab differentiates itself by focusing on AI alignment, ensuring that artificial intelligence systems adhere to ethical principles and human values. The company plans to develop AI that extends beyond the capabilities of current models, which primarily excel in coding and mathematical tasks, and instead enable a broader spectrum of applications.
According to a blog post by the company, their research and product teams will collaborate closely, a strategic decision intended to integrate alignment principles into AI systems from inception rather than as an afterthought. This co-design approach aims to create safer and more reliable AI models.
A Powerhouse Team of AI Experts
Murati’s ability to attract top talent from OpenAI and other leading AI firms is evident in the startup’s lineup. Roughly two-thirds of the company’s workforce comprises former OpenAI employees. Among them is Barret Zoph, a distinguished AI researcher who left OpenAI on the same day as Murati in late September. Zoph will serve as Thinking Machines Lab’s Chief Technology Officer.
Another key addition is John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI, who has taken the role of Chief Scientist at Thinking Machines Lab. Schulman had previously left OpenAI for Anthropic, citing a desire to focus on AI alignment—a mission that aligns perfectly with Murati’s new endeavor.
A Trend Among Former OpenAI Executives
Murati joins a growing number of ex-OpenAI executives who have launched independent AI ventures. Other former OpenAI-led startups, such as Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence, have already gained significant traction and billions of dollars in funding.
Her departure from OpenAI was part of a larger wave of high-profile resignations following governance changes within the company. Despite being a public face of OpenAI alongside CEO Sam Altman, Murati’s exit signaled deeper shifts within the AI industry, where seasoned leaders are seeking to carve their own paths in AI innovation.
Commitment to Open Research and AI Safety
Thinking Machines Lab has emphasized its commitment to transparency in AI research. The company has pledged to contribute open-source resources, including code, datasets, and model specifications, to facilitate advancements in AI safety and alignment.
“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 company stated.
This approach aligns with Murati’s longstanding advocacy for responsible AI development. By making research publicly accessible, the startup aims to foster collaboration in AI safety, a growing concern among AI researchers and policymakers alike.
The Future of Thinking Machines Lab
While Thinking Machines Lab is still in its early stages, industry experts are watching closely to see how it will compete with other AI leaders. The company’s strong foundation of experienced AI researchers, commitment to ethical AI, and focus on practical applications position it as a potential game-changer in the AI landscape.
Murati’s leadership, combined with the expertise of her team, suggests that Thinking Machines Lab may soon become a major player in the development of AI systems that not only perform complex tasks but also align with human values in a way that current models do not.
With AI playing an increasingly vital role in technology and society, the rise of new companies like Thinking Machines Lab reflects a broader shift towards creating AI that is not only powerful but also ethical and widely applicable. Whether this startup will disrupt the industry remains to be seen, but its ambitions and expertise make it one to watch.
