Microsoft Announces $1 Billion Investment In OpenAI

Microsoft today announced that it’s investing $1 billion in Open AI. The two companies have embarked on a multi-year partnership which will see them working together on artificial intelligence and other technologies on Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing infrastructure. Open AI was initially founded as a nonprofit in 2015 with $1 billion in funding from major Silicon Valley investors like Peter Thiel, Sam Altman, Reid Hoffman, and more.

OpenAI also created a for-profit entity earlier this year in order to be able to bring in outside investment. The company employs artificial intelligence researchers to make advances in this field. It has also been focusing on the implications and the safety of artificial intelligence.

The company says that this investment from Microsoft will enable it to “artificial general intelligence.” This is a key part of the field which would essentially mean that a computer is able to master a subject not just as well but even better than the best humans. It would thus be able to master more fields than any single human being.

“We believe it’s crucial that AGI is deployed safely and securely and that its economic benefits are widely distributed,” Altman said, adding that “We are excited about how deeply Microsoft shares this vision.” Microsoft says that it will work with OpenAI to jointly build new AI technologies on its Azure cloud computing service.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Computers
Tags: artificial intelligence, Microsoft