Key Points
- Microsoft’s vice president of GenAI research, Sebastien Bubeck, is leaving to join OpenAI.
- Bubeck’s move is part of his efforts to further work toward artificial general intelligence (AGI).
- Microsoft plans to continue collaborating with Bubeck through his work at OpenAI.
- Bubeck’s coauthors at Microsoft will continue developing the Phi LLMs despite his departure.
Microsoft announced Monday that Sebastien Bubeck, vice president of generative AI (GenAI) research, is leaving the company to join OpenAI, the artificial intelligence startup behind ChatGPT. OpenAI, which Microsoft financially backs, is at the forefront of AI innovation. Bubeck’s move signals his intention to further work toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), a more advanced form of AI that mimics human cognitive abilities.
While details of Bubeck’s new role at OpenAI have not yet been disclosed, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed his departure, stating, “Sebastien has decided to leave Microsoft to further his work toward developing AGI.” The spokesperson also emphasized that Microsoft looks forward to maintaining a collaborative relationship with Bubeck through his work at OpenAI, indicating that the two entities will remain aligned in AI development.
Sebastien Bubeck, a well-regarded researcher in the AI field, has played a crucial role at Microsoft, particularly in developing its Phi language models (LLMs). These models are designed to be smaller and more efficient than traditional LLMs. According to The Information, most of Bubeck’s coauthors, who worked with him on the Phi models, remain at Microsoft and will continue the project without interruption.
Bubeck’s exit comes amid notable shifts within OpenAI, which has seen a series of high-profile departures in recent months. In September, longtime Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati also left the company, sparking speculation about internal changes. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has denied any connection between these departures and a rumored restructuring of the organization. Altman has focused on the startup’s goal of advancing AI technologies, including its close partnership with Microsoft.
Microsoft’s continued collaboration with OpenAI is one of the most significant in the tech world. Both companies aim to lead in the development of AI technologies. Bubeck’s move, while significant for Microsoft, highlights the fluid nature of the talent pool within the AI community as researchers and executives seek opportunities to contribute to the development of cutting-edge AI models.
