Ilya Sutskever, a prominent figure in the AI community and co-founder of OpenAI, has embarked on a new venture by founding Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI). Sutskever, known for his contributions to the development of AI and deep learning, particularly through his co-authorship of the groundbreaking AlexNet paper in 2012, is now directing his efforts towards creating superintelligent AI that prioritizes safety and reliability.

SSI’s core mission is to tackle what it identifies as the “most important technical problem of our time”: the development of superintelligent AI that is both safe and reliable. This goal underscores the increasing concern within the AI research community about the potential risks associated with highly advanced AI systems. Sutskever and his team are focused on ensuring that as AI systems become more capable, they remain aligned with human values and safety protocols to prevent unintended and potentially catastrophic outcomes.

To achieve its ambitious objectives, SSI plans to assemble a “lean, cracked team of the world’s best engineers and researchers.” This approach emphasizes a streamlined and highly skilled team capable of making significant strides in the complex field of AI safety. By attracting top talent, SSI aims to innovate and develop advanced methodologies for ensuring that superintelligent AI systems are not only powerful but also controllable and aligned with ethical guidelines.

Sutskever’s decision to form SSI comes after a period of significant activity and controversy at OpenAI. As a member of the OpenAI board, he was involved in the temporary removal of Sam Altman as CEO in November 2023. Reports suggest that Sutskever had previously voiced concerns about the pace of commercialization under Altman’s leadership and the associated safety risks. These concerns highlight a broader debate within the AI community about the balance between rapid technological advancement and the necessity of rigorous safety measures.

The establishment of SSI appears to be Sutskever’s proactive response to these concerns. By founding a company dedicated to the safe development of superintelligent AI, Sutskever is positioning himself and his team at the forefront of the effort to mitigate risks associated with advanced AI. This move reflects his commitment to addressing the potential dangers of AI head-on, ensuring that the powerful tools created by AI research are beneficial and not harmful to society.

SSI’s formation marks a significant development in the AI landscape. With a figure of Sutskever’s stature focusing on AI safety, it brings increased attention and credibility to the field. His background, including his seminal work on AlexNet, provides a strong foundation for tackling the complex challenges associated with superintelligent AI. Furthermore, SSI’s emphasis on assembling a top-tier team suggests a focused and high-impact approach to research and development in AI safety.