Meta Recruits Eight OpenAI Researchers Amid $14 Billion AI Talent Race

Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has aggressively invested over $14 billion in AI and is conducting a major hiring spree to build its Superintelligence team, offering over $100 million bonuses to lure top AI researchers from competitors like OpenAI. This recruitment drive has caused significant disruption at OpenAI, with several key researchers leaving and internal leadership describing the departures as akin to a theft. Meta's AI models, including their latest called 'calls 4,' have yet to surpass competitors from American, Chinese, and French firms, prompting the company to double down on acquiring talent and advancing toward superintelligence. Meanwhile, OpenAI is responding by enhancing compensation and instituting company-wide breaks to address burnout and retain staff. The competition for AI talent reflects the industry's shift, where elite researchers are now valued like top athletes, and innovations in AI creativity and capability continue to accelerate. Additionally, other global hubs like Lausanne, Switzerland, are emerging as centers for AI-driven media and entertainment innovation, highlighting the worldwide expansion of AI applications.