Google Deepmind pioneer David Silver departs to found AI startup, betting LLMs alone won't reach superintelligence

2026-02-02

Summary

David Silver, a prominent AI researcher from Google Deepmind, has left to start his own company, Ineffable Intelligence, in London. Silver plans to focus on reinforcement learning to create AI that can independently improve through experience, expressing doubts that large language models (LLMs) alone can achieve superintelligence.

Why This Matters

This development highlights a growing skepticism among top AI researchers about the limitations of current AI models, particularly LLMs. Silver's departure underscores a potential shift in AI development towards systems that learn from their own experiences rather than relying solely on human data, which could redefine how we approach building advanced AI.

How You Can Use This Info

Professionals should be aware of the evolving landscape in AI research, particularly the shift towards reinforcement learning and continuous learning systems. This knowledge can inform strategic decisions in businesses looking to integrate more advanced AI solutions, ensuring they remain competitive and aligned with cutting-edge developments. Additionally, staying informed about these trends could help professionals anticipate future AI capabilities and their potential impact on various industries.

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