Meta Platforms Inc. has made a pivotal strategic move by shifting its focus toward the development of advanced artificial intelligence. The company’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced a major overhaul of its AI division, aimed squarely at building “superintelligence” — systems capable of performing tasks as well as or better than humans.
To lead this new chapter, Meta has established a team called Meta Superintelligence Labs, headed by Alexandr Wang, former CEO of the startup Scale AI, whom Zuckerberg praised as “the most impressive founder of his generation.” Wang will take on the role of Chief AI Officer, working alongside Nat Friedman, former GitHub CEO, to guide both applied research and product development in AI.
In an internal memo, Zuckerberg stated, “As the pace of AI progress accelerates, the development of superintelligence is becoming increasingly tangible.” He added, “I believe this marks the beginning of a new era for humanity, and I’m fully committed to ensuring Meta leads the way.”
Competing with OpenAI and Google
This move underscores the growing importance Zuckerberg places on AI, especially in light of fierce competition with tech giants like OpenAI and Google. Meta is backing its ambitions with massive investments in infrastructure — from custom chips to data centers — as well as through acquisitions and top-tier talent recruitment.
Notably, Meta recently invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI, which also facilitated Wang’s arrival at the company. It is reportedly in talks to acquire startups like PlayAI, which specializes in AI-generated voice replication, and has hired researchers from leading AI firms such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.
The revamped team includes prominent figures such as Jack Rae and Pei Sun (formerly of DeepMind); Jiahui Yu, Shuchao Bi, Shengjia Zhao, and Hongyu Ren (formerly of OpenAI); and Joel Pobar from Anthropic, who previously spent over a decade at Meta.
Through this reorganization, Meta aims not only to accelerate its AI progress but also to position itself at the forefront of a field that Zuckerberg sees as the beginning of a transformative era for humanity.
Source: MARCA.COM