Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and former chief scientist of OpenAI, has announced the launch of a new AI firm focused primarily on developing a "safe superintelligence." The company, named Safe Superintelligence Inc., includes former OpenAI member Daniel Levy and former Apple AI lead Daniel Gross as co-founders, according to a statement released on June 19.

Safe Superintelligence Inc. aims to address the technical challenge of creating a safe superintelligence that is beneficial for humanity. The firm emphasized its commitment to this goal, describing itself as a specialized lab dedicated solely to superintelligence safety. It plans to assemble a small team of top engineers and researchers focused exclusively on advancing safe superintelligence technology without distractions from commercial pressures or traditional product cycles.

The firm, headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in Tel Aviv, Israel, intends to prioritize safety over other considerations, a stance supported by its investors. While specific financial details were not disclosed, the founders expressed confidence in their ability to secure adequate funding for their endeavors.

The launch of Safe Superintelligence Inc. follows internal disputes at OpenAI, where Sutskever was involved in efforts to remove CEO Sam Altman in late 2023. Concerns about AI safety within OpenAI have been highlighted by recent departures of employees, including notable figures like Jan Leike and Gretchen Krueger, who cited these concerns as reasons for leaving.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Sutskever indicated that he maintains a positive relationship with Altman and that OpenAI is aware of his new venture.