Sam Altman Steps Down as Oklo Chairman, Paving Way for Collaboration with OpenAI

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has stepped down as chairman of the nuclear energy startup Oklo, a move designed to facilitate potential partnerships between Oklo and AI companies, including OpenAI. Oklo, known for developing advanced micro nuclear reactors aimed at providing scalable, clean energy for sectors such as AI data centers, will now have CEO and co-founder Jacob DeWitte assume the chairman role. Altman's departure removes a key barrier to collaboration, as his dual leadership positions complicated direct deals between Oklo and OpenAI. Oklo has already secured agreements to provide significant power to data center operators and has received important regulatory milestones, but has yet to sign deals with leading hyperscalers. The company remains financially strong and continues to advance innovative nuclear technologies, including reactor design and fuel recycling. Oklo's leadership expressed gratitude for Altman's contributions and optimism about future growth and partnerships under DeWitte’s guidance.