Top Microsoft AI Researcher Sebastien Bubeck Departs for OpenAI

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Key Takeaways

  • Sebastien Bubeck, a leading AI researcher at Microsoft, has left to join OpenAI in an unspecified role.
  • He was instrumental in developing Microsoft's smaller, more efficient Phi language models.
  • Bubeck's departure coincides with recent leadership changes at OpenAI, following the exit of several top executives.

One of the leading figures in Microsoft’s AI research, Sebastien Bubeck, joins OpenAI in an undisclosed capacity. 

Bubeck, who has been a key player in Microsoft’s development of generative AI models, informed Microsoft staff of his decision on Monday, The Information confirmed in a report.

After joining Microsoft as a researcher in 2014, Bubeck played a key role in the creation of Microsoft’s family of small language models (Phi SLMs) which are designed to be smaller and more cost-efficient than OpenAI’s GPT models. 

Bubeck’s expertise in generative AI and machine learning positions him as a valuable asset for OpenAI, particularly as the organization seeks to innovate and consolidate its position in the AI market.

Bubeck’s exit follows a series of high-profile departures from OpenAI, including that of former Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, VP Research Barret Zoph and Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew. Despite these changes, OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman has downplayed any connection between these departures and potential restructuring within the organization.

This transition comes at a time when the dynamics between Microsoft and OpenAI are evolving. Since 2019, Microsoft has poured an estimated $13 billion into OpenAI, which recently bolstered its financial position by raising an additional $6.6 billion, bringing its valuation to $157 billion

Recently, OpenAI opened a new office in Bellevue, Washington, located near Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters, potentially enhancing their partnership.

Despite the close relationship between the two, reports indicate that OpenAI is seeking greater autonomy from Microsoft’s cloud services, having recently initiated plans to lease data centers from Oracle in Texas.