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Safe Superintelligence Startup Taps Google Cloud for AI Research
Ilya Sutskever, co-founder of OpenAI and its former chief scientist, has announced that his new AI startup, Safe Superintelligence (SSI), will leverage Google Cloud‘s TPU chips to fuel its artificial intelligence research. This collaboration, formalized in a Wednesday press release, marks a significant partnership for both entities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Google Cloud to Power SSI’s AI Development
According to Google Cloud, SSI will utilize Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) to “expedite its research and development initiatives aimed at creating secure, superintelligent AI.” This statement highlights the critical role of Google’s advanced computing infrastructure in supporting SSI’s ambitious goals.
Cloud Providers Vie for Prominent AI Startups
Cloud computing providers are actively pursuing partnerships with burgeoning AI startups, often described as “unicorn” companies, that invest substantial capital—hundreds of millions annually—in computational resources to train foundational AI models. SSI‘s agreement with Google Cloud indicates that a significant portion of its computing expenditure will be directed towards Google Cloud. An inside source informed TechCrunch that Google Cloud is slated to be SSI‘s primary computing provider.
Google’s History of Collaborations with Former AI Researchers
Google Cloud has a track record of establishing computing partnerships with former Google AI researchers who have subsequently launched successful, billion-dollar AI startups. Notably, Sutskever himself is a former Google employee. In October, Google Cloud revealed its role as the primary computing provider for World Labs, a venture founded by Fei-Fei Li, the former chief scientist of Google Cloud AI.
Partnership Scope and Future Collaborations
Currently, it remains unclear whether SSI has entered into agreements with other cloud or computing providers. A Google Cloud representative declined to comment on the matter. Similarly, a spokesperson for Safe Superintelligence did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.
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SSI Emerges with Substantial Backing
SSI was publicly launched in June 2024, following Sutskever’s departure from his position as chief scientist at OpenAI several months prior. The startup has secured $1 billion in funding from prominent investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, DST Global, and SV Angel, among others. This robust financial backing underscores strong investor confidence in SSI‘s vision and potential.
SSI’s Mission and Focus
Since its inception, details regarding SSI‘s operational activities have been relatively limited. However, SSI‘s website states that the development of safe, superintelligent AI systems is central to its mission, identity, and product roadmap, emphasizing its singular focus. Sutskever has previously indicated his pursuit of “a new mountain to climb,” concentrating on innovative approaches to enhance the capabilities of advanced AI models.
Sutskever’s Background and OpenAI Tenure
Prior to co-founding OpenAI, Sutskever spent several years at Google Brain, conducting research on neural networks. Having spearheaded AI safety initiatives at OpenAI for an extended period, Sutskever played a pivotal role in the removal of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in November 2023. Subsequently, Sutskever joined a collective of employees advocating for Altman’s reinstatement as CEO.
SSI’s Genesis Following OpenAI Developments
In the aftermath of these events, reports indicated that Sutskever was absent from OpenAI’s offices for several months, ultimately leading to his departure from the startup and the establishment of SSI. This timeline suggests that the events at OpenAI were a catalyst for Sutskever embarking on his new venture.