Mira Murati Launches Thinking Machines Lab, an AI Startup Focused on Safety and Customization

Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, has embarked on a new venture in the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence. After six years at OpenAI, where she played a pivotal role in the development of groundbreaking AI systems like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Codex, Murati announced her departure last October to pursue her own exploration. That exploration has culminated in the launch of Thinking Machines Lab, an AI startup with a mission to make AI more accessible, understandable, and customizable for everyone.


Thinking Machines Lab emerges from stealth mode with a clear vision: to bridge the gap between the rapid advancements in AI capabilities and the public's understanding and ability to utilize these technologies effectively. Murati, along with OpenAI co-founder John Schulman as Chief Scientist and ex-OpenAI Chief Research Officer Barret Zoph as CTO, is leading a team of experienced AI researchers and engineers to develop AI systems that are not only powerful but also safe, transparent, and adaptable to individual needs.

Addressing the Key Gaps in AI

Thinking Machines Lab acknowledges the significant progress made in AI, but also recognizes the "key gaps" that still exist. One of the primary concerns is the limited understanding of how these advanced AI systems are trained and function. This knowledge is often concentrated within the top research labs, hindering public discourse and limiting the ability of individuals and organizations to effectively leverage AI's potential.

Furthermore, despite their impressive capabilities, current AI systems can be challenging to customize for specific needs and values. Thinking Machines Lab aims to address these challenges by focusing on three core areas:

  • Customization: Developing tools and techniques that allow users to adapt AI systems to their unique requirements and goals.
  • Understanding: Promoting transparency and understanding of how AI systems work, enabling wider adoption and responsible use.
  • General Capability: Building AI systems that are more versatile and capable of handling a broader range of tasks and applications.

Building Multimodal Systems for Collaborative AI

Thinking Machines Lab's approach centers on building "multimodal" AI systems that can interact with users in various ways, including text, images, and code. These systems are designed to work collaboratively with people, adapting to their expertise and enabling a wider spectrum of applications. The company is particularly interested in developing advanced models for domains like science and programming, believing that these models hold the key to unlocking transformative applications and benefits, such as novel scientific discoveries and engineering breakthroughs.

Prioritizing AI Safety and Real-World Value

AI safety is a paramount concern for Thinking Machines Lab. The company is committed to preventing the misuse of its AI models by implementing safeguards, sharing best practices with the industry, and supporting external research on AI alignment. By focusing on understanding how their systems create genuine value in the real world, Thinking Machines Lab aims to ensure that AI is developed and deployed responsibly, benefiting society as a whole.

With a strong team, a clear vision, and a commitment to safety and customization, Thinking Machines Lab is poised to make significant contributions to the field of AI. As Mira Murati and her team embark on this new journey, the AI community eagerly awaits the innovations that will emerge from this promising startup.

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