Microsoft and OpenAI are collaborating to construct the world’s most expensive supercomputer, which will cost $100 billion and be used to train potent new artificial intelligence.
A recent report, however, provides a new cash amount for the extent of that commitment, citing anonymous persons with knowledge of the project.
It’s no secret that Microsoft, OpenAI’s primary backer, is pushing hard to make artificial intelligence (AI) the next big thing in computing.
Media reports indicate that the Center will also house an AI supercomputer known as Stargate.
According to The Information, Microsoft is likely to fund the project, which is anticipated to be significantly more expensive than existing data centres, potentially by a factor of 100. This information is based on insights from individuals involved in private discussions regarding the proposal.
The proposed supercomputer, to be situated in the U.S., would be the largest in a series of such projects planned by the companies over the next six years.
The Information attributes a tentative cost of $100 billion to sources familiar with discussions, including someone who spoke to Altman about it and another who has reviewed some of Microsoft’s initial cost estimations.
“Microsoft has demonstrated its ability to build pioneering AI infrastructure used to train and deploy the world’s leading AI models,” a Microsoft spokesperson told the site.
“We are always planning for the next generation of infrastructure innovations needed to continue pushing the frontier of AI capability.”
According to the report, Microsoft is additionally developing a smaller, fourth-phase supercomputer intended for OpenAI, scheduled for launch in 2026. Allegedly, Microsoft and OpenAI are currently in the third phase of a five-phase plan, with phases four and five dedicated exclusively to procuring the necessary AI chips for these projects.
Elon Musk had earlier revealed that xAI will release its artificial intelligence (AI) model Grok as open source.
Musk, the billionaire proprietor of xAI, declared on his social media platform X that his AI startup will release the chatbot for public use this week.