OpenAI Rehires Researchers While Microsoft Launches Education Tools

OpenAI recently saw the return of key researchers Barret Zoph, Luke Metz, and Sam Schoenholz, who previously co-founded Thinking Machines Lab with Mira Murati. Zoph, who served as CTO at Thinking Machines, left OpenAI in late 2024. While Thinking Machines leadership cited serious misconduct and confidential information sharing as reasons for Zoph's firing, OpenAI's Fidji Simo, CEO of applications, welcomed them back, stating the hires were planned for weeks and OpenAI does not share those ethical concerns. This move marks a significant setback for Murati's young startup, which has now lost half of its six co-founders within its first year, with two more employees expected to join OpenAI soon. This situation contrasts sharply with Anthropic, which stands out as the only major AI lab to retain all its original co-founders. Other prominent AI companies, including OpenAI, xAI, Safe Superintelligence Inc., and Google DeepMind, have seen co-founder departures. Meanwhile, Microsoft is expanding its AI initiatives in education, launching new tools and programs. The Microsoft Elevate for Educators program offers free professional development and credentials, alongside new features like "Teach in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app" for lesson preparation and a "Study and Learn Agent" for students. These efforts are part of Microsoft's $4 billion pledge to bridge the AI digital divide. The growing demand for AI infrastructure is also evident in new supply chain agreements. Rio Tinto will supply copper to Amazon for its AI data centers under a two-year deal, with experts predicting AI sector growth will increase global copper demand by 50% by 2040. OpenAI itself is actively seeking US manufacturers to strengthen its domestic AI supply chain for components in data centers, consumer electronics, and robotics, building on its Stargate initiative. This aims to shorten production times and bolster US leadership in AI technology. Innovations are also making AI more accessible and efficient. A new approach called Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) is reducing computing costs and power usage by activating only specific parts of AI models for tasks, making advanced AI more affordable for businesses. Salesforce reported a 59% increase in holiday sales growth for businesses using its Einstein GPT-powered AI agents, which personalize customer interactions. In the chip sector, TSMC's strong results sparked a rebound in stocks for companies like Nvidia, Broadcom, and Micron, signaling investor confidence in AI chip demand. Regulatory discussions around AI are also gaining traction. In Florida, Turner Loesel argues that existing "process-neutral" laws already provide strong AI accountability, even as Governor Ron DeSantis calls for more regulation. Separately, discussions around military AI continue, with Elon Musk and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaking at a SpaceX event about using advanced AI models across military networks. However, the event's name, "Arsenal of Freedom," ironically references a Star Trek episode warning about the dangers of unchecked AI weapons systems.

Key Takeaways

• OpenAI re-hired Barret Zoph, Luke Metz, and Sam Schoenholz, co-founders/senior researchers from Thinking Machines Lab, despite misconduct allegations from Thinking Machines.
• Anthropic is the only major AI lab retaining all its original co-founders, contrasting with OpenAI, xAI, and Google DeepMind which have seen departures.
• Microsoft launched new AI tools and programs for education, including free professional development, AI credentials, and premium software access for educators and students, as part of a $4 billion pledge.
• Rio Tinto will supply copper to Amazon for its AI data centers under a two-year agreement, highlighting a projected 50% increase in global copper demand by 2040 due to AI growth.
• OpenAI is seeking US manufacturers through a Request for Proposals to strengthen its domestic AI supply chain for data center, consumer electronics, and robotics components.
• Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) architecture is reducing AI computing costs and power usage, making advanced AI more affordable for widespread business applications.
• Salesforce reported that businesses using its Einstein GPT-powered AI agents experienced a 59% increase in holiday sales growth.
• TSMC's strong financial results and positive outlook led to a significant rebound in chip stocks, including Nvidia, Broadcom, and Micron, due to its key role in the AI chip supply chain.
• Florida's existing "process-neutral" laws are argued to provide strong AI accountability, even as Governor Ron DeSantis advocates for more AI regulation.
• Elon Musk and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth discussed integrating advanced AI into military networks, aiming for US leadership, despite the cautionary tale referenced by their event's name, "Arsenal of Freedom."

Thinking Machines Cofounders Return to OpenAI

Barret Zoph and Luke Metz, cofounders of Thinking Machines, are rejoining OpenAI. Sam Schoenholz, another staffer, also returns to OpenAI. Fidji Simo, OpenAI's CEO of applications, shared this news on Thursday. Zoph had left OpenAI in late 2024 to start Thinking Machines with Mira Murati. A source claimed Zoph shared confidential company information, but OpenAI does not share these concerns. This move is a significant win for OpenAI.

Thinking Machines CTO and Researchers Return to OpenAI

Barret Zoph, CTO and co-founder of Thinking Machines, has returned to OpenAI. Senior researchers Luke Metz and Samuel Schoenholz also rejoined OpenAI. Mira Murati, CEO of Thinking Machines, announced Zoph's departure and named Soumith Chintala as the new CTO. These departures mean half of Thinking Machines' six co-founders have left within its first year. Fidji Simo of OpenAI welcomed them back, noting Zoph will report to her.

Mira Murati's Startup Loses Cofounders to OpenAI

Mira Murati's startup, Thinking Machines Lab, is losing co-founders Barret Zoph and Luke Metz to OpenAI. Another former OpenAI staffer, Sam Schoenholz, also returns to OpenAI. Murati announced Zoph's departure on Wednesday, and soon after, OpenAI's Fidji Simo welcomed them back. Zoph was CTO of Thinking Machines and previously a VP of research at OpenAI. This loss of key leaders is a significant setback for the young startup.

OpenAI Hires Key Researchers From Thinking Machines Lab

Barret Zoph, Luke Metz, and Sam Schoenholz are rejoining OpenAI from Thinking Machines Lab. Thinking Machines leadership believed Zoph engaged in serious misconduct and shared confidential information, leading to his firing by Mira Murati. However, OpenAI's Fidji Simo stated the hires were planned for weeks and OpenAI does not share those ethical concerns. This move also involves two more Thinking Machines employees expected to join OpenAI soon. A source also mentioned disagreements over the company's product and technology.

Anthropic Stands Alone With All Cofounders Remaining

Anthropic is the only major AI lab that still has all its original co-founders. This is very different from other top AI companies. OpenAI has only three of its eleven co-founders left, and xAI has lost three of its twelve. Thinking Machines saw three of its six co-founders depart, and Safe Superintelligence Inc. and Google DeepMind each lost one co-founder. Anthropic's stability and low employee turnover may show strong agreement on its mission, especially regarding AI safety.

Microsoft Launches New AI Tools for Education

Microsoft is introducing new AI-powered tools and programs to help teaching and learning. The Microsoft Elevate for Educators program offers global communities, free professional development, and credentials for teachers. New tools include "Teach in the Microsoft 365 Copilot app" for lesson prep and "Microsoft Learning Zone" for interactive experiences. Students also get a "Study and Learn Agent" and free 12-month access to Microsoft 365 Premium and LinkedIn Premium Career. These efforts aim to empower educators and students in the age of AI.

Microsoft Offers Free AI Tools and Training to Educators

Microsoft is now offering free AI training and premium software to educators and college students. Justin Spelhaug, president of Microsoft Elevate, announced this initiative. The Elevate program aims to provide AI skills and resources to teachers, administrators, and eligible college students. It includes free professional development, AI credential programs, and premium subscriptions to Microsoft Copilot and LinkedIn Premium. This effort is part of Microsoft's $4 billion pledge to help communities benefit from AI opportunities and bridge the AI digital divide.

Florida's Existing Laws Provide Strong AI Accountability

Turner Loesel argues that Florida already has strong laws for AI accountability. As the 2026 Legislative Session approaches, lawmakers are focusing on AI, with Governor Ron DeSantis calling for more regulation. However, many existing Florida laws are "process-neutral," meaning they apply to harmful outcomes regardless of the technology used. Leo Schoonover, CIO at the Department of Health, advised the state to "set the floor, not the ceiling" for AI regulation. The state has also passed new laws to fill any gaps.

Musk and Hegseth Seek Military AI, Miss Star Trek Warning

Elon Musk and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth spoke about making "Star Trek real" at a SpaceX event. Hegseth announced a new strategy to use advanced AI models across military networks, aiming for US leadership in military AI. However, the event's name, "Arsenal of Freedom," comes from a Star Trek episode that warns about the dangers of unchecked AI weapons systems. In that episode, an AI system destroys a civilization and threatens the USS Enterprise, a lesson Musk and Hegseth seem to overlook.

Rio Tinto to Provide Copper for Amazon AI Data Centers

Rio Tinto will supply copper to Amazon for its AI data centers under a new two-year agreement. Companies that build parts for Amazon Web Services will use copper produced by Rio Tinto's Nuton leaching program. This copper will come from a mine owned by Gunnison Copper. This deal highlights the growing demand for copper and other critical minerals needed for AI infrastructure. Experts expect AI sector growth to increase global copper demand by 50% by 2040.

New AI Architecture Reduces Computing Costs

A new approach called Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) is making AI more affordable to use widely. Before, running smart AI models was very expensive because every request used the entire model. Now, MoE architectures use only the specific parts of the model needed for a task, which lowers computing costs and power use. This change makes it possible for businesses like banks to use advanced AI for many daily operations, such as fraud detection and customer support. Companies like Nvidia are already using MoE in their latest AI models.

Ren Morkos Uses AI to Optimize Construction Projects

Ren Morkos, a civil engineer and Stanford professor, founded ALICE Technologies to bring artificial intelligence to construction. ALICE is the world's first "optioneering" platform, helping contractors find the best ways to build projects. In 2025, the company released ALICE Core, which can create scheduling and sequencing plans automatically from Primavera P6 XER files. Companies like Suffolk Construction use ALICE to manage complex projects and recover from delays. Morkos believes AI is improving construction but still requires human knowledge for tasks like scheduling.

Salesforce AI Agents Boost Holiday Sales by 59 Percent

Salesforce announced that businesses using its AI agents saw a significant 59% increase in holiday sales growth. These AI agents, powered by Salesforce's Einstein GPT, helped personalize customer interactions and provide instant support. The report showed that customers interacting with AI agents were more likely to complete purchases and spend more. Salesforce believes AI integration will continue to grow in retail, helping businesses improve sales and customer engagement.

TSMC Results Spark Rebound in Chip Stocks

Chip stocks saw a strong rebound after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, announced excellent results and a positive future outlook. TSMC plays a key role in the AI chip supply chain, so its good news boosted other companies like Nvidia, Broadcom, and Micron. Equipment makers such as Applied Materials, Lam Research, and KLA also saw significant gains. This suggests that investors are focusing on company earnings and expect chipmakers to continue investing in new production capacity.

OpenAI Seeks US Manufacturers for AI Supply Chain

OpenAI is launching a new Request for Proposals to boost the US AI supply chain through domestic manufacturing. The company aims to find and support American manufacturers for key AI components. This includes parts for data centers, consumer electronics, and robotics. OpenAI wants to shorten production times, make the supply chain stronger, and keep the US a leader in AI technology. This effort builds on their Stargate initiative and seeks to create jobs and economic growth across the country.

Sources

• Two Thinking Machines Lab Cofounders Are Leaving to Rejoin OpenAI
• Thinking Machines CTO Barret Zoph, Two Other Senior Researchers Rejoin OpenAI
• Mira Murati's startup, Thinking Machines Lab, is losing two of its co-founders to OpenAI
• Inside OpenAI’s Raid on Thinking Machines Lab
• Amid Rapid Co-founder Departures, Anthropic Is The Only Major AI Lab With All Its Co-founders Intact
• Introducing Microsoft innovations and programs to support AI-powered teaching and learning
• Microsoft expands free AI access to teachers and students
• Turner Loesel: Florida's AI laws are stronger than you think
• Musk and Hegseth vow to “make Star Trek real” but miss the show’s lessons
• Rio Tinto to supply copper to Amazon for AI data centers
• AI’s New Math: More Power, Less Compute
• René Morkos: Makes Artificial Intelligence Work for Contractors for an Industrialized Future
• Salesforce says AI agent adoption boosts holiday sales growth 59%
• Chip Stocks Rebound After TSMC Reignites The AI Trade
• Strengthening the U.S. AI supply chain through domestic manufacturing