Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is aggressively pursuing top (AI) talent, recently recruiting four additional researchers from , the creator of ChatGPT. This move signals a significant escalation in the competition for expertise as tech giants race to dominate the burgeoning field of AI.

The latest recruitment, reported by US IT media outlet Di Information on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, follows an earlier report from the Wall Street Journal on June 26, 2025, detailing Meta’s acquisition of three OpenAI researchers based in Zurich, Switzerland. Both Meta and OpenAI declined to comment on the reports when contacted by Reuters.

Industry analysts interpret Meta’s aggressive hiring spree as a key component of its strategy to bolster its “” project. The company recently established a dedicated research institute focused on developing AI systems that surpass human capabilities, and has already invested $14.3 billion in AI startup Scale AI. Furthermore, Meta appointed King Alexander, the founder and chief executive of Scale AI, to lead the initiative.

The urgency behind Meta’s efforts appears to stem from perceived shortcomings in its recent AI model releases. According to sources, , CEO of Meta, initiated a substantial investment in AI research and development following disappointing reactions to the company’s latest AI models.

The competition for AI talent is fierce, with companies offering unprecedented compensation packages. , CEO of OpenAI, revealed in a recent podcast appearance that Meta attempted to recruit his engineers with offers reaching up to $100 million (approximately 136.5 billion won). “Meta made this suggestion to several of our employees, but none of our top talent accepted the proposal,” Altman stated.

However, the subsequent news of researchers departing OpenAI for Meta has raised concerns about potential further talent leaks within the organization. The situation underscores the intense pressure both companies face to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The ongoing talent war between Meta and OpenAI highlights the critical importance of skilled personnel in driving innovation within the AI sector. As both companies continue to invest heavily in research and development, the competition for top AI minds is likely to intensify in the months and years to come.