Mira Murati, the former Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI, has officially launched a new AI research and product development company, Thinking Machines Lab. The startup is dedicated to building transparent, customizable, and human-aligned AI systems. Murati, known for her leadership in developing ChatGPT, DALL·E, and OpenAI’s advanced AI models, aims to create AI that is both accessible and ethically responsible.
Mira Murati: A Visionary Leader in AI Innovation
Mira Murati’s journey from an engineering student to one of the most influential figures in artificial intelligence is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and leadership. Born in Albania, she pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Dartmouth College, a decision that set the foundation for her future in technology.
Mira Murati’s Career and Contributions
Murati started her career at Tesla, where she contributed to the development of the Model X. Her work in engineering and autonomous vehicle systems provided her with critical insights into AI’s real-world applications. She later joined Leap Motion, where she focused on augmented reality and human-computer interaction, further deepening her understanding of AI-driven innovations.
Mira Murati was born in Albania and studied Mechanical Engineering at Dartmouth College. She began her career at Tesla, where she contributed to the development of the Model X. Later, she worked at Leap Motion, focusing on motion-sensing technology for augmented and virtual reality applications.
In 2018, Murati joined OpenAI as the Vice President of Applied AI and Partnerships. She played a critical role in launching ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Codex (which powers GitHub Copilot). She later became OpenAI’s CTO and briefly served as interim CEO during a leadership transition. Her work has consistently emphasized ethical AI development and regulation.
- Developing AI that is transparent, with research findings openly shared
- Allowing users to customize AI models to meet their specific needs
- Ensuring AI systems are aligned with ethical and societal values
- Prioritizing safety and reliability to prevent misuse of AI technology
Joining OpenAI and Transforming AI
In 2018, Murati joined OpenAI as Vice President of Applied AI and Partnerships. Her work was instrumental in the development and launch of some of OpenAI’s most revolutionary products, including ChatGPT, DALL·E, and Codex. Under her leadership, OpenAI transitioned from a research organization to a powerhouse in generative AI, shaping the future of human-AI interaction.
As she rose to the position of Chief Technology Officer, Murati played a crucial role in defining OpenAI’s ethical AI principles and overseeing the technical advancements of large language models. She briefly served as OpenAI’s interim CEO during a pivotal leadership transition, further showcasing her ability to navigate challenges in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Founding Thinking Machines Lab
With a vision to develop AI that prioritizes transparency, customization, and ethical responsibility, Murati founded Thinking Machines Lab in 2025. Her startup focuses on creating AI systems that empower users while maintaining high safety and ethical standards. By leading a team of top AI researchers and engineers, she aims to set new benchmarks for responsible AI development.
Legacy and Future Impact
Mira Murati’s contributions to AI extend beyond technology. She is an advocate for responsible AI development, frequently engaging in discussions about AI ethics, regulation, and policy. Her commitment to making AI accessible and beneficial for all has earned her recognition as a visionary leader in the industry.
As AI continues to shape the world, Murati remains at the forefront, driving innovation while ensuring AI aligns with human values. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring technologists and leaders, demonstrating that a strong vision, combined with expertise and perseverance, can change the future.
Company Profile: Thinking Machines Lab
Thinking Machines Lab was founded in 2025 and is focused on advancing AI research and developing innovative AI products. Headquartered in the United States, the company has assembled a team of experienced AI researchers and engineers, many of whom previously worked at OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic.
The company’s mission is to create AI systems that prioritize transparency, safety, and ethical considerations. Unlike other AI companies that operate with closed-source models, Thinking Machines Lab is committed to open research and user customization.
Key Goals of Thinking Machines Lab
Building a Strong AI Team
Thinking Machines Lab has recruited top AI experts, including former colleagues of Murati. Key members include John Schulman, a co-founder of OpenAI and an expert in reinforcement learning, and Barret Zoph, a former Google AI scientist now serving as the company’s Chief Technology Officer.
With a highly skilled team, Thinking Machines Lab is positioned to compete with major AI organizations while focusing on transparency and ethical development.
What Sets Thinking Machines Lab Apart
Unlike other AI companies that prioritize proprietary models, Thinking Machines Lab follows a more open approach. The company’s AI systems will emphasize:
- Transparency: Research findings and methodologies will be openly shared.
- Customization: Users can modify AI models according to their needs.
- Ethical AI Development: The company ensures AI aligns with human values and safety principles.
Challenges and Opportunities
Thinking Machines Lab faces challenges such as:
- Competing with AI giants like OpenAI and Google DeepMind
- Balancing transparency with AI safety concerns
- Securing funding for large-scale AI development
However, the company also has significant opportunities, including Murati’s strong industry reputation, growing demand for customizable AI, and potential partnerships with policymakers focused on AI ethics.
Future Plans
Thinking Machines Lab plans to release its first AI models and research papers later in 2025. Focus areas include:
- Developing an advanced AI assistant with enhanced personalization
- Creating AI tools that enable businesses to modify AI systems for their needs
- Researching multimodal AI models that integrate text, images, and video
- Collaborating with policymakers to establish ethical AI frameworks
Murati’s vision is not only to innovate in AI development but also to set new standards for AI transparency and ethical considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mira Murati?
Mira Murati is an AI expert, former Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, and the founder of Thinking Machines Lab. She played a key role in developing ChatGPT, DALL·E, and other advanced AI models while advocating for ethical AI development.
What is Thinking Machines Lab’s main goal?
Thinking Machines Lab aims to develop transparent, customizable AI systems that prioritise user control, safety, and ethical development.
How does Thinking Machines Lab differ from OpenAI?
Unlike OpenAI, which operates as a for-profit entity with controlled AI models, Thinking Machines Lab focuses on open research, user customisation, and transparency.
Who are the key people behind Thinking Machines Lab?
The company is led by Mira Murati, with key team members including John Schulman (Head of Research) and Barret Zoph (CTO), along with a team of former OpenAI, Google, and DeepMind researchers.
Will Thinking Machines Lab’s AI models be open-source?
While the company has not confirmed full open-source releases, it has committed to publishing research findings and sharing AI development methodologies.
When will Thinking Machines Lab release its first AI product?
The company is expected to release its first AI models and research papers by late 2025.
How can businesses collaborate with Thinking Machines Lab?
Businesses interested in AI customization and research partnerships can reach out to the company via its official website once launched.
Conclusion
Mira Murati’s Thinking Machines Lab is set to play a major role in the AI industry. With a strong team, a commitment to transparency, and a focus on ethical AI, the company aims to offer an alternative to big tech-controlled AI models. As AI continues to evolve, Thinking Machines Lab is positioning itself as a leader in ethical and customizable AI development.
