Mira Murati, former Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, has launched a new artificial intelligence startup called Thinking Machines Lab. The company, which includes several former OpenAI executives, aims to develop AI models and tools that enhance “human-AI collaboration” across various industries.
Ex-OpenAI CTO’s New Venture
In a blog post released Tuesday, the startup emphasized its approach to AI development, stating, “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 plans to integrate AI into a wider range of professional fields by focusing on adaptability and real-world usability.
Among the key figures joining Murati at Thinking Machines Lab are John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI who will serve as chief scientist, and Barret Zoph, OpenAI’s former vice president of research, now the new startup’s CTO. Lilian Weng, previously OpenAI’s vice president of safety, is also part of the team. According to publicly available LinkedIn profiles, more than a dozen of the startup’s nearly 30 employees have previously worked at OpenAI.
Murati’s departure from OpenAI in September sparked speculation about her next move, with reports indicating she had been in discussions with venture capital firms. Sources familiar with the matter have suggested that she has been seeking approximately $1 billion in funding. However, the company has not publicly disclosed its fundraising plans.
Next Steps For The Startup
Thinking Machines Lab has yet to release a product or model but has outlined a distinct approach compared to other AI firms. The company is emphasizing a collaborative design process between researchers and product developers to enhance AI systems’ usability, customization, and general capabilities.
“Instead of focusing solely on making fully autonomous AI systems, we are excited to build multimodal systems that work with people collaboratively,” the company stated. These models will be designed to function across multiple formats, including text, audio, and video.
The startup is focusing on AI applications in areas such as science and programming, aiming to drive new breakthroughs in these fields. It is actively hiring for roles in machine learning and research management, as seen in job postings online.
Additionally, Thinking Machines Lab intends to maintain transparency in its research by frequently publishing technical blog posts, papers, and code. “We think sharing our work will not only benefit the public but also improve our own research culture,” the company stated. Murati, originally from Albania and a Dartmouth graduate, played a key role at OpenAI, leading major product releases such as ChatGPT and the platform’s advanced voice mode.
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