Ilya Sutskever's AI Startup Partners with Google Cloud

Safe Superintelligence Startup Leverages Google Cloud TPUs

Ilya Sutskever, a co-founder of OpenAI and its former chief scientist, has established a new AI venture named Safe Superintelligence (SSI). This new company is utilizing Google Cloud’s TPU chips to facilitate its AI research, as announced in a recent press release on Wednesday.

Accelerating AI Development

According to Google Cloud, SSI is employing TPUs to expedite its research and development initiatives focused on creating secure, superintelligent AI.

Cloud service providers are actively seeking collaborations with promising AI startups, often involving substantial investments – reaching hundreds of millions of dollars annually – in computing resources for training advanced AI foundation models.

Google Cloud as Primary Provider

The agreement between SSI and Google Cloud indicates a significant allocation of SSI’s computing budget to Google Cloud services. A source with knowledge of the arrangement confirmed to TechCrunch that Google Cloud serves as SSI’s principal computing provider.

A Pattern of Collaboration

Google Cloud has a demonstrated history of forging computing partnerships with former AI researchers, many of whom now lead highly valued AI startups. Notably, Sutskever previously held a position at Google.

In October, Google Cloud revealed that it would be the primary computing provider for World Labs, a company founded by Fei-Fei Li, the former chief scientist of Google Cloud AI.

Partnership Details Remain Limited

The extent of SSI’s collaborations with other cloud or computing providers remains unclear. A representative from Google Cloud declined to provide further comment.

A spokesperson for Safe Superintelligence did not respond immediately to a request for clarification.

SSI's Funding and Focus

SSI emerged from stealth mode in June 2024, following Sutskever’s departure from OpenAI. The company has secured $1 billion in funding from prominent investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, DST Global, and SV Angel.

Since its launch, public information regarding SSI’s specific activities has been limited.

The company’s website states that its core mission is the development of safe, superintelligent AI systems, defining this as both its purpose and its complete product roadmap.

Sutskever's Vision and Background

Sutskever has previously articulated his identification of “a new mountain to climb,” signifying his exploration of innovative methods to enhance the performance of cutting-edge AI models.

Prior to his role at OpenAI, Sutskever dedicated several years to neural network research at Google Brain.

Role in OpenAI Leadership Changes

After spearheading AI safety efforts at OpenAI for several years, Sutskever was instrumental in the removal of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in November 2023.

He subsequently participated in an internal movement advocating for Altman’s reinstatement as CEO.

Following this period, Sutskever was reportedly absent from OpenAI’s offices for an extended duration before ultimately leaving to establish SSI.