Microsoft has announced that Sam Altman, former CEO of OpenAI, will be joining the tech giant to lead a new team focused on artificial intelligence.
Microsoft’s CEO and Chairman, Satya Nadella, revealed on Monday that Altman, along with fellow OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and other former OpenAI employees, will spearhead a “new advanced AI research team” within the company.
Nadella expressed eagerness to support the team’s endeavors swiftly, providing them with the necessary resources for success. He also reiterated Microsoft’s commitment to its partnership with OpenAI, in which it has reportedly invested $13 billion.
This announcement follows reports from The Information that Altman would not be returning to OpenAI, despite efforts from executives to persuade him otherwise. Ilya Sutskever, another OpenAI co-founder and board director, informed staff that Altman’s return negotiations had been unsuccessful.
Altman’s sudden departure from OpenAI, attributed to the board’s assessment of his communication, sparked significant reactions within the tech industry. Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s president and co-founder, resigned in response, with three senior researchers following suit.
In response to his firing, Altman expressed mixed emotions, likening the experience to reading his own eulogy while still alive. He also emphasized the lack of equity in OpenAI, distinguishing himself from other tech founders who typically hold equity stakes in their companies.
Altman’s influence in the field of AI has been substantial, particularly following the releases of ChatGPT and GPT-4. His departure marks a significant shift in the landscape of AI research and development.
Despite the challenges, Altman remains an influential figure in the tech industry, known for his insights into the potential benefits and risks of AI. His new role at Microsoft signals a new chapter in his career, with potential implications for the future of artificial intelligence.