OpenAI leadership in danger: Senior executive departs to launch new startup

In a shocking development, OpenAI’s Vice President of Research for Post-Training Liam Fedus has left the company to found a materials science artificial intelligence (AI)- powered startup.

This makes Fedus the latest senior researcher to depart from the US-based AI firm.

In a recent statement on X (formerly Twitter), Fedus confirmed The Information’s initial report, adding a few key details.

“My undergrad was in physics and I’m keen to apply this technology there. Because AI for science is one of the most strategically important areas to OpenAI and achieving [artificial superintelligence], OpenAI is planning to invest in and partner with my new company.”

Fedus, who joined OpenAI in 2022, will focus his new venture on using AI to accelerate scientific discovery in materials science.

However, OpenAI has confirmed to invest and collaborate with Fedus' new venture.

The exit comes amid a period of significant leadership churn at OpenAI. His departure follows those of other high-profile executives, including Luke Metz, who left to join former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati's new company.

Notably, as VP of post-training, Fedus oversaw the critical phase where AI models like those powering ChatGPT are refined after their initial training.

Fedus' new startup will enter the competitive market, with Google DeepMind, Microsoft, etc. already making significant investments in materials discovery.

Despite the competition, OpenAI appears to maintain strong ties with Fedus, with plans to invest in and partner with his new company.