AI Labs: Sam Altman may make or break OpenAI episode artwork

EPISODE · May 20, 2026 · 28 MIN

AI Labs: Sam Altman may make or break OpenAI

from FT Tech Tonic

OpenAI sparked the generative AI boom with the release of ChatGPT. But along the way its chief executive Sam Altman has ruffled plenty of feathers. Colleagues have left to set up rival labs, co-founders have sued him in court and his own company even tried to sack him. Now OpenAI’s early lead in the AI race is evaporating. Can it stay ahead of its rivals, and is Altman the right person to lead the AI revolution?FT articles free to read: Elon Musk loses OpenAI case after 2 hours of jury deliberationsOpenAI investors question $852bn valuation as strategy shiftsOpenAI chief Sam Altman: ‘This is genius-level intelligence’Tech Tonic is hosted by Murad Ahmed and produced by Edwin Lane. The executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Tell us what you think of Tech Tonic! Complete this short survey and you’ll get the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones.Prize draw winners’ surnames and regions may be made available upon request, as required by the Advertising Standards Authority. If you do not want your information to be made available, please email [email protected] upon entry. For more information on your rights and how we use your data, please read our Privacy Policy.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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