Meta is creating a new AI division called 'Superintelligence Labs' to focus on developing AI systems surpassing human cognitive capabilities. This initiative reflects Meta's commitment to leading in AI, amidst fierce competition from tech giants. The lab will be headed by Alexandr Wang, former CEO of Scale AI, who has been described as the 'most impressive founder of his generation'. Nat Friedman, former CEO of Github, will partner with Wang to lead the group and oversee Meta's work on AI products and applied research.
Meta's investment in 'superintelligence' involves significant financial commitments, including a potential $14.8 billion stake in Scale AI. The company is also actively recruiting AI researchers from firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, offering substantial compensation packages. Recent hires include former DeepMind researchers Jack Rae and Pei Sun, as well as researchers Jiahui Yu, Shuchao Bi, Shengjia Zhao and Hongyu Ren from OpenAI, and Joel Pobar from Anthropic.
This restructuring comes as Meta aims to sharpen its AI focus, addressing previous challenges such as internal disputes and criticisms over AI product performance. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has prioritised AI, investing heavily in infrastructure and talent to accelerate Meta's AI advancements. The move signifies Meta's ambition to not only compete with rivals but to redefine the AI landscape, with potential long-term impacts on technology and users worldwide.
