Microsoft invests $1 billion in OpenAI, vows to build AI tech platform of ‘unprecedented scale’
Microsoft will invest $1 billion in OpenAI and work with the San Francisco-based artificial intelligence powerhouse to create a computational platform of “unprecedented scale” to accelerate the development of advanced forms of AI.
The expanded partnership gives Microsoft and its Azure cloud platform an influential ally in its competition with Google, Amazon and other rivals in the high-stakes race to develop next-generation AI platforms and technologies. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has called out AI as a pivotal area for the future of the company.
OpenAI was formed in 2016 by leaders including Elon Musk, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO; and Sam Altman, former president of the Y Combinator startup accelerator. Musk, who has sounded the alarm over the risks of AI, said in May that he was no longer involved inOpenAI.
OpenAI is pursuing breakthroughs in artificial general intelligence, or AGI. Such technology would be capable of developing deep expertise across many subjects, not just one domain, surpassing human abilities to help solve major challenges in areas such as healthcare, climate change and education.
In a statement, Altman called artificial general intelligence “the most important technological development in human history, with the potential to shape the trajectory of humanity.”
He added, “Our mission is to ensure that AGI technology benefits all of humanity, and we’re working with Microsoft to build the supercomputing foundation on which we’ll build AGI. We believe it’s crucial that AGI is deployed safely and securely and that its economic benefits are widely distributed. We are excited about how deeply Microsoft shares this vision.”
Here are the key components of the deal, as announced by the companies.
Nadella said in a statement that the “ambition is to democratize AI – while always keeping AI safety front and center – so everyone can benefit.”
The investment comes at a time of transition for OpenAI.
