Mira Murati, OpenAI’s former chief technology officer, has made her first hires for her new AI research lab, including Jonathan Lachman, the former head of special projects at her former organization.

This is according to two people familiar with the discussion.

The lab, currently in its initial stages, is focused on artificial general intelligence and does not yet have a name or defined product strategy.

Murati has reportedly brought together around 10 researchers and engineers, recruiting talent from companies such as OpenAI, Character AI, and Google DeepMind.

Murati left OpenAI in September 2024. She aims to raise over US$100 million for her new AI-focused company.