Months after her sudden departure from OpenAI in the fall of 2024, renowned AI executive Mira Murati has resurfaced with a new venture: “Thinking Machines Lab.”

The startup, already drawing significant industry attention, aims to create artificial intelligence systems that are not only powerful, but also widely understandable, customizable, and transparent.

According to a recent press release, the company’s mission is “to make AI systems more widely understood, more customizable, and generally more capable.” Murati emphasized that the goal is not to build fully autonomous AI, but rather to design tools and products that help people work more effectively with artificial intelligence.

“We are building a future where everyone has access to the knowledge and tools to make AI work for their unique needs and goals,” the company’s press statement said. The announcement signals a focus on human-centric AI, potentially marking a shift from the prevailing race toward ever-larger, more autonomous models.

Transparency also appears to be a core principle. Thinking Machines Lab has pledged to provide at least one level of public transparency by regularly publishing technical research—a notable commitment in a field often criticized for its secrecy and closed development cycles.

Murati, previously the Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, has assembled a formidable team for her new startup. Notably, John Schulman, co-founder of OpenAI, has joined as Head of Research. Barrett Zoph, another former leader at OpenAI, is the Chief Technology Officer. Jonathan Lachman, who previously led OpenAI’s Special Projects division, is also part of the founding team (TechCrunch, March 2025).

While details about the startup’s initial products remain scarce, industry observers note that Murati’s team brings together some of the brightest minds in artificial intelligence. “Bringing in names like Schulman and Zoph gives Thinking Machines Lab immediate credibility,” said AI analyst Margaret Chen in a recent interview with Wired (April 2025). “This could signal a new era where AI development is as much about openness and user empowerment as it is about raw capability.”

Murati’s move comes at a time when the global AI landscape is rapidly evolving, with growing debate over transparency, safety, and control. OpenAI itself has faced scrutiny for its governance and the closed nature of some recent releases. Thinking Machines Lab’s commitment to regular technical disclosure may offer a counterpoint to these trends.

As the AI race accelerates, all eyes will be on how Murati’s new venture navigates the balance between cutting-edge research, transparency, and public trust.

Sources:

• Press release, Thinking Machines Lab, March 2025
• TechCrunch, “Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati launches new startup with ex-OpenAI leaders,” March 2025
• Wired, “Mira Murati’s New Project Could Change the AI Game,” April 2025