Microsoft building new AI model separate from OpenAI’s GPT to compete with the likes of Google, report says

The MAI-1 model is being overseen by Mustafa Suleyman, the Google DeepMind co-founder and former CEO of AI start-up Inflection, The Information reported

The model, with 500 billion parameters, will larger and more expensive than the open source models Microsoft previously trained, according to the report

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Microsoft is working on a large AI model separate from the ones it currently uses from OpenAI that power its Copilot products, The Information reported. Photo: TNS

Published: 12:15pm, 7 May 2024

Microsoft is training a new, in-house AI language model large enough to compete with those from Alphabet’s Google and OpenAI, the Information reported on Monday.

The new model, internally referred to as MAI-1, is being overseen by recently hired Mustafa Suleyman, the Google DeepMind co-founder and former CEO of AI start-up Inflection, the report said, citing two Microsoft employees with knowledge of the effort.

The exact purpose of the model has not been determined yet and will depend on how well it performs. Microsoft could preview the new model as soon as its Build developer conference later this month, the report said.

Microsoft declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella speaks during the Microsoft Build: AI Day event in Kuala Lumpur on May 2, 2024. Photo: EPA-EFE

MAI-1 will be “far larger” than the previous smaller, open source models Microsoft had previously trained which means it will be more expensive, according to the report.