Mira Murati, former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, announced her departure from the company. Murati, who served as CTO from May 2022 to September 2024 and briefly as interim CEO, cited a desire for “personal exploration” and a smooth leadership transition as reasons for her exit.
Despite leaving OpenAI, Murati remains a strong advocate for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). AGI, often described as AI systems capable of performing a wide range of cognitive tasks at human level, remains a central focus for her. She has frequently expressed optimism about its development, although she acknowledges it might take decades.
Murati’s Optimism about AGI
Murati is not just optimistic about the potential of AI; she firmly believes in AGI’s eventual arrival. She views AGI as a transformative technology, even comparing it to a median human co-worker in terms of its capabilities. Despite the potential for job displacement, she has maintained an optimistic view, suggesting new job creation will accompany the loss of others. She has also emphasized the importance of developing and using AI tools responsibly.
Post-OpenAI Ventures
Following her departure from OpenAI, Murati has embarked on a new venture. She is reportedly raising funds from venture capitalists for a new AI startup. This startup, which has drawn talent from various AI firms, is focusing on AGI, signaling a continuation of her work in the field.
Murati’s Legacy at OpenAI
Murati’s role at OpenAI was significant, overseeing projects like ChatGPT and DALL-E. During her tenure, she emphasized the need for ethical development and regulation of AI. She also acknowledged the potential for rapid advancements in AI, suggesting that computers may soon demonstrate PhD-level intelligence in specific tasks.
Looking Ahead
Murati’s departure from OpenAI marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career. While the precise focus of her startup remains somewhat mysterious, her continued emphasis on AGI development indicates a deep commitment to advancing the field. Her optimism about the future of AI, and AGI in particular, remains unwavering.
Murati’s work is still being discussed in the AI community.
