Sachin Katti, Intel's Chief Technology Officer and head of AI, has left the company after only six months to join OpenAI. Katti will focus on building compute infrastructure for artificial general intelligence (AGI) at OpenAI. His departure is a blow to Intel, which is struggling to compete in the rapidly evolving AI market against rivals like Nvidia and AMD.
Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan will now directly oversee the company's AI strategy. Intel has reaffirmed its commitment to AI, emphasising the execution of its technology and product roadmap. The company has faced challenges in the AI sector, including not meeting revenue expectations for its Gaudi chips. Intel is now focusing on an open systems and software architecture for AI, with plans for annual GPU releases.
Katti's move highlights the intense competition for AI talent and the increasing importance of specialised compute infrastructure. OpenAI's president, Greg Brockman, expressed excitement about Katti joining to design and build the infrastructure powering their AGI research. Intel, meanwhile, faces the challenge of regaining its footing in the AI market and addressing concerns about its AI strategy.
