Microsoft has made a bold move to match OpenAI's compensation for employees interested in joining Sam Altman's upcoming advanced AI research lab at the tech giant, as confirmed by Microsoft's CTO and EVP of AI, Kevin Scott, in a post on X.
Addressing the petition from OpenAI's partners expressing interest in potentially joining Altman at Microsoft's new AI Research Lab, Scott assured that Microsoft would provide a role matching their compensation while furthering their collective mission.
Microsoft's Chairman and CEO, Satya Nadella, recently announced that Altman, along with OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman, would lead the company's advanced AI research team. However, Nadella mentioned the possibility of Altman returning to OpenAI in some capacity.
In an interview with CNBC, Nadella expressed Microsoft's desire to provide a great opportunity for Altman and Brockman if they decide not to remain at OpenAI. He stated that the decision regarding Altman's return to OpenAI rested with its board, management, and employees, as Microsoft has explicitly partnered with OpenAI, offering options for employees to join Microsoft or stay at OpenAI.
Reportedly, over 500 employees at OpenAI threatened to resign and potentially move to Microsoft. They indicated that Microsoft assured them of positions within a new subsidiary if they chose to make the transition.
Competitors like Salesforce have also attempted to attract OpenAI employees for their AI projects, but some researchers at OpenAI declined these offers.
(With Agency Inputs)
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