Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at OpenAI, has embarked on a new venture with the establishment of Thinking Machines Lab, an artificial intelligence (AI) startup dedicated to advancing AI systems that are both broadly useful and understandable. This initiative has recently been bolstered by the addition of two prominent ex-OpenAI advisors: Bob McGrew and Alec Radford.
Building a Formidable Team
Thinking Machines Lab has strategically assembled a team of seasoned AI professionals, many of whom have previously contributed to significant projects at OpenAI. Bob McGrew, who served as OpenAI’s Chief Research Officer, brings a wealth of experience in AI research leadership. Alec Radford, renowned for his pivotal role in developing generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs), has also joined as an advisor. Their collective expertise is expected to significantly enhance the startup’s research and development capabilities.
The leadership team is further strengthened by John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI, who assumes the role of Chief Scientist, and Barret Zoph, former Vice President of Research at OpenAI, now serving as CTO. This assembly of talent underscores Thinking Machines Lab’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
A Vision for Human-AI Collaboration
Thinking Machines Lab is dedicated to developing AI systems that enhance human-AI interactions. Unlike other AI startups that focus on creating AI more powerful than humans, Thinking Machines Lab prioritizes bridging the gap between AI capabilities and human understanding and usability. The startup comprises around 30 employees, including some of Murati’s colleagues from OpenAI. Specific details about their first product or funding are yet to be disclosed. A significant challenge for the company is improving the interaction layer between humans and AI. ([axios.com](https://www.axios.com/2025/02/18/mira-murati-thinking-machines-lab-startup?utm_source=openai))
Commitment to Open Science and Collaboration
A cornerstone of Thinking Machines Lab’s philosophy is its dedication to open science. The company plans to share its research openly to foster broader community collaboration. This approach is intended to accelerate innovation and ensure that advancements in AI are accessible and beneficial to a wide audience. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/669dd6dd-68fc-4110-875d-af679f6f5c58?utm_source=openai))
Navigating the Competitive AI Landscape
The AI industry is witnessing a surge of new ventures, many led by former OpenAI executives. Thinking Machines Lab distinguishes itself by focusing on human-AI collaboration and the development of adaptable AI systems. This strategic direction positions the startup to address unique challenges and opportunities within the AI sector.
Looking Ahead
As Thinking Machines Lab continues to build its team and refine its research agenda, the addition of advisors like McGrew and Radford signals a strong commitment to excellence and innovation. The AI community and industry stakeholders are keenly observing how this startup will contribute to the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
