Introducing Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI)
Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and former chief scientist of OpenAI, has announced the launch of his new company, Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI). Focused on the development of safe and potent AI systems, SSI aims to revolutionize the AI landscape by prioritizing safety and capability advancements simultaneously. The company’s mission revolves around engineering and scientific breakthroughs dedicated to achieving a safe superintelligence.
SSI’s founding team includes notable experts such as Daniel Gross, a former AI lead at Apple, and Daniel Levy, another former OpenAI employee. The combined expertise of these industry veterans underscores the company’s commitment to developing AI technologies with an emphasis on long-term safety.
A Commitment to Safety Amid Commercial Pressures
One of the pivotal aspects of SSI’s business model is its insulation from short-term commercial pressures. By prioritizing safety and progress over immediate financial gains, the company aims to maintain its focus on tackling complex safety challenges without distractions from management overhead or frequent product cycles.
Sutskever’s departure from OpenAI was fueled by disagreements regarding the company’s approach to AI safety. Along with other former OpenAI employees like Jan Leike, Sutskever expressed concerns that OpenAI’s prioritization of commercial growth came at the expense of long-term safety investments. SSI seeks to provide an alternative path that aligns more closely with Sutskever’s vision of responsible AI development.
Global Presence and Recruitment
SSI has established a presence in two prime locations, Palo Alto, California, and Tel Aviv, Israel. These offices not only anchor the company in influential tech hubs but also reflect the founders’ personal ties to Israel. Sutskever, born in the USSR and raised in Jerusalem, and Gross, who was also born in Jerusalem, have deep connections to the region, which has influenced their decision to open an office in Tel Aviv.
The company is actively recruiting top technical talent to join its quest for safe superintelligence. By assembling a team of leading experts, SSI aims to spearhead advancements in AI safety and capabilities that can address the pressing concerns of the tech sector. The launch of SSI is a significant moment that underscores the increasing focus on responsible and secure AI development, potentially setting a new standard for the industry.
