Ex-OpenAI Chief Scientist Starts A New 'Safe' AI Company

New AI Startup Company - Pioneering a New Era of AI Safety

In a significant development in the AI landscape, Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's co-founder and former chief scientist, has announced the launch of a new company, Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI). Unveiled in a post on Wednesday, SSI is set to focus exclusively on the creation of a safe and powerful AI system, merging the goals of advancing AI capabilities and ensuring robust safety measures.

The Vision Behind SSI

SSI's mission is clear and singular: to develop a safe superintelligent AI system. Unlike other AI firms that balance multiple products and business models, SSI is determined to avoid the common pitfalls of commercial pressures and management distractions. By concentrating solely on safety and capability, SSI aims to push the boundaries of AI development while maintaining an unwavering commitment to security.

In the announcement, Sutskever emphasized the unique approach SSI will take. "Our business model means safety, security, and progress are all insulated from short-term commercial pressures. This way, we can scale in peace." This philosophy aims to shield the company from the external pressures often faced by AI teams at larger corporations like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, allowing for a focused and methodical progression in AI development.

Leadership and Expertise

Joining Sutskever in this ambitious venture are co-founders Daniel Gross, a former AI lead at Apple, and Daniel Levy, who previously served as a member of the technical staff at OpenAI. This trio brings a wealth of experience and expertise to SSI, promising a strong foundation for the company's endeavors.

The formation of SSI comes in the wake of significant departures from OpenAI, including Sutskever himself and prominent figures like AI researcher Jan Leike and policy researcher Gretchen Krueger. Both Leike and Krueger cited concerns over safety processes being overshadowed by product development priorities, underscoring the critical need for an organization like SSI.

A Focused Approach to AI Development

SSI's commitment to safety is reflected in its business strategy. Unlike its counterparts, which juggle partnerships and multiple projects, SSI will channel all its resources into developing its first product: safe superintelligence. During an interview with Bloomberg, Sutskever made it clear that SSI will not pursue any other projects until this goal is achieved.

This dedicated approach positions SSI as a unique entity in the AI industry. While companies like OpenAI continue to expand through collaborations with tech giants such as Apple and Microsoft, SSI's singular focus on safety could set new standards and benchmarks for the industry.

The Future of Safe AI

As the AI field continues to grow and evolve, the launch of SSI marks a pivotal moment. By prioritizing safety and advancing capabilities simultaneously, SSI aims to address the pressing concerns surrounding the rapid development of AI technologies. The company's approach promises to contribute significantly to the creation of superintelligent AI systems that are both powerful and secure, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

In conclusion, Safe Superintelligence Inc. represents a bold and necessary step towards ensuring that the future of AI is not only advanced but also safeguarded. With a team of seasoned experts at its helm and a clear, focused mission, SSI is poised to make substantial contributions to the field of AI, paving the way for a safer and more responsible technological future.

Source:  The Verge - OpenAI’s former chief scientist is starting a new AI company

Image:  Andrew Neels from Pexels