Meta Platforms has launched a new unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs, in a bold move to accelerate its efforts toward building artificial general intelligence (AGI). This new lab will consolidate Meta’s top AI research projects and aims to develop AI systems that can match or surpass human intelligence.
This initiative comes in response to intensifying competition from leading entities such as OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and China’s DeepSeek. Meta’s latest AI model, Llama 4, received mixed reviews, prompting the company to rethink and centralize its AI strategy.
To lead the new division, Meta has recruited Alexandr Wang, the co-founder and former CEO of Scale AIMeta made one of its largest investments to date by acquiring a 49% stake in Scale AI for $14.3 billion.
Other key hires include Nat Friedman, former CEO of GitHub, and Daniel Gross, co-founder of Safe Superintelligence. Meta has successfully recruited leading researchers from competing organizations, such as OpenAI, DeepMind, and Google.
Reports reveal Meta is offering huge bonuses nicknamed “Zuck Bucks” worth up to $100 million to secure elite AI talent. Recently, three senior OpenAI researchers based in Zurich joined Meta’s team.
The AI industry is currently booming, with global investments expected to hit $320 billion in 2025. Microsoft and Amazon are also spending heavily to acquire top AI talent and technology.
Despite the excitement, some experts remain skeptical. Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist, has warned that current AI models might not be enough to reach true AGI. He believes fundamental advances in AI architecture are still needed.
Meta’s earlier ventures into ambitious projects such as Reality Labs and the metaverse resulted in losses exceeding $60 billion, casting doubt on whether its current pursuit of superintelligence will yield a worthwhile return.
Nevertheless, Meta’s new lab demonstrates its dedication to spearheading the upcoming AI revolution.Whether this strategy succeeds or stumbles, it marks a major turning point in the global race for artificial intelligence leadership.
