AI Pioneer Ilya Sutskever and Former Apple AI Lead Launch Safe Superintelligence Inc

Ilya Sutskever, a prominent figure in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), has embarked on a new venture – Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI). This move marks a significant shift for Sutskever, who previously served as co-founder and chief scientist at OpenAI.

A Laser Focus on Safe AI: SSI's Mission

• Founded in collaboration with Daniel Gross (former Apple AI lead) and Daniel Levy (ex-OpenAI engineer), SSI prioritizes the development of safe and powerful AI systems.

• Sutskever's message is clear: "one goal and one product." SSI aims to create superintelligent AI that is both advanced and secure, prioritizing safety throughout the development process.

This singular focus allows SSI to avoid the complexities faced by larger AI companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. These companies often grapple with balancing innovation with commercial pressures and management demands.

Lessons Learned from OpenAI: Shaping SSI's Approach

• Ilya Sutskever's departure from OpenAI earlier in 2024 was a highly publicized event. He played a central role in a controversial attempt to remove OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, leading to internal conflict.

• Following this turbulent period, Sutskever expressed regret and emphasized his commitment to the original mission of OpenAI. This experience seemingly influenced SSI's focus on maintaining a stable environment conducive to safe AI development.

The lessons learned at OpenAI inform Safe Superintelligence Inc. SSI's approach to safety. At OpenAI, Sutskever co-led the Superalignment team with Jan Leike (who also left OpenAI to join Anthropic, another AI firm). This team aimed to ensure AI systems remained beneficial by controlling and guiding them. SSI carries on this mission, treating safety and capabilities as interconnected challenges to be addressed through innovative engineering and scientific breakthroughs.

Securing the Future of Safe AI: SSI's Business Model

• In an interview, Sutskever revealed SSI's business model, designed to prioritize safety, security, and progress over short-term financial gains. This allows the company to dedicate all its resources to its core mission.

• Unlike OpenAI's transition from non-profit to for-profit due to the high costs of AI research, SSI was established as a for-profit entity from the outset. This structure facilitates fundraising to support its ambitious goals.

SSI is actively building its team and has offices in Palo Alto, California, and Tel Aviv. They are actively recruiting talented individuals to contribute to their mission of developing safe superintelligence.