Microsoft to Hire OpenAI Co-founder Sam Altman for New AI Research Team On 20th NOV

Written By: Saman Shoaib
Last Updated On: November 22, 2023

In a surprising move, Microsoft has swiftly onboarded OpenAI Co-founder Sam Altman to power up his innovation in artificial intelligence after his shockingly ousted as OpenAI’s CEO in a chaotic boardroom coup on Friday. Altman was a key figure behind OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot will spearhead Microsoft’s fresh initiative in advanced AI research.

The dismissal of Altman from the CEO post at OpenAI cited concerns by US media about downplaying tech risks and deviating from the company’s mission, or may Altman disagree with his board members.

However, what’s the reality behind these rumors is still blurry.

After OpenAI Co-founder Sam Altman was fired, another co-founder of OpenAI – Greg Brockman, quit as OpenAI’s President and joined Microsoft on the same mission.

It’s another major shakeup to the balance of power over artificial intelligence, the most significant new technology in decades.

Despite pressure from major investors, including Microsoft, OpenAI appointed a new CEO – Emmett Shear, ex-CEO of Amazon’s Twitch.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed Altman’s move in a post on X, expressing optimism about the collaboration. Nadella stated that Altman, along with OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman and other colleagues, would be instrumental in leading Microsoft’s new advanced AI research team.

“We remain committed to our partnership with OpenAI and have confidence in our product roadmap, our ability to continue to innovate with everything we announced at Microsoft Ignite, and in continuing to support our customers and partners.”

OpenAI Co-founder Sam Altman, who gained prominence with the launch of OpenAI’s AI chatbot last year, has been at the forefront of the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence. His sudden dismissal triggered a series of high-profile departures from OpenAI and a reported push from investors to reinstate him.

OpenAI Co-Founder Sam Altman’s Response

Altman responded to the news on X, saying, “The mission continues,” suggesting his commitment to advancing AI research despite the recent setback. On the same platform, OpenAI Co-founder Sam Altman shared an image of himself wearing an OpenAI guest badge with the caption: “First and last time I ever wear one of these.”

Emmett Shear, now serving as OpenAI’s interim CEO, clarified that Altman was not fired over safety concerns related to AI technology. In a post on X, Shear mentioned,

“The board did not remove Sam over any specific disagreement on safety.”

However, he acknowledged that the handling of Altman’s removal had damaged trust within the company.

Microsoft’s significant investment of over $10 billion in OpenAI underscores the tech giant’s commitment to advancing AI technology.

Nadella expressed confidence in the partnership, stating,

“We look forward to getting to know Emmett Shear and OpenAI’s new leadership team and working with them.”

As OpenAI navigates the aftermath of the departure of OpenAI Co-founder Sam Altman and Microsoft welcomes him into its fold, the AI landscape is poised for further developments and collaborations between these industry giants. The competition in the AI space continues to intensify, with companies like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and startups vying to push the boundaries of AI research and development.