- Thinking Machines Lab aims to create AI systems that not only encode human values but also cater to a wider array of applications compared to existing offerings in the market.
- Goal is to create AI that transcends mere programming and mathematical capabilities, thereby enabling diverse applications that benefit society at large.
Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, announced the launch of her new artificial intelligence startup, Thinking Machines Lab.
The initiative marks a significant development in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology.
With a team of approximately 30 distinguished researchers and engineers drawn from leading competitors such as OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral, Thinking Machines Lab aims to create AI systems that not only encode human values but also cater to a wider array of applications compared to existing offerings in the market.
Designed to reflect human values
Murati’s ability to attract top talent from her previous employer underscores her reputation and influence within the AI community. Notably, around two-thirds of her team comprises former OpenAI employees, including Barret Zoph, who has been appointed as the startup’s technology chief.
Additionally, OpenAI co-founder John Schulman serves as the chief scientist, further solidifying the startup’s foundation with experienced leadership. Schulman’s previous focus on AI alignment—a critical area concerning the safe and reliable integration of human values into AI systems—aligns seamlessly with the mission of Thinking Machines Lab.
The concept of AI alignment is central to the startup’s vision. By ensuring that AI models are designed to reflect human values, Thinking Machines Lab seeks to address the ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence.
This focus is particularly pertinent in an era where AI systems are increasingly integrated into various facets of daily life. The startup’s commitment to transparency, as evidenced by its plans to share code, datasets, and model specifications, sets it apart from its competitors and contributes to the ongoing discourse on responsible AI development.
Moreover, Thinking Machines Lab positions itself as a pioneer in co-designing its products with input from both research and product teams. This collaborative approach is intended to foster innovation and adaptability, allowing the company to develop AI solutions that can meet a broader spectrum of human expertise.
As stated in their blog post, the goal is to create AI that transcends mere programming and mathematical capabilities, thereby enabling diverse applications that benefit society at large.
Murati’s departure from OpenAI, alongside other high-profile exits, reflects a broader trend of former executives establishing their own ventures in the AI space. With startups like Anthropic and Safe Superintelligence already attracting significant investment, the competitive landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic.
Thinking Machines Lab’s emphasis on AI alignment and human-centric design may well position it as a formidable player in this burgeoning field.