Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to labs and prototypes—it’s becoming part of our daily lives. From smart assistants to automated diagnostics, AI is transforming how we work, learn, and create. But as the technology evolves, so does the need for systems that understand us—not just as users, but as collaborators.
Enter Thinking Machines Lab, the visionary startup founded by Mira Murati in 2025. With a mission to build collaborative general intelligence, the lab is redefining what it means to work with machines.
Beyond Automation: Toward Collaboration
Most AI tools today are built for automation. They perform tasks, answer questions, and generate content. But they often lack context, nuance, and adaptability. Thinking Machines Lab is taking a different approach—one that prioritizes human-AI collaboration.
Imagine an AI that doesn’t just respond, but anticipates. One that doesn’t just generate ideas, but helps refine them. That’s the kind of intelligence Thinking Machines Lab is building: systems that can reason, explain, and evolve alongside human input.
The Power of Multimodal Intelligence
At the heart of this vision is multimodal AI—technology that can process and integrate multiple types of information, including text, images, audio, and data. This opens the door to richer, more intuitive interactions.
- A scientist could describe a hypothesis verbally, show a diagram, and receive AI-generated simulations.
- A designer might sketch a concept and get real-time feedback on usability, accessibility, and market trends.
- A teacher could upload lesson materials and collaborate with AI to create personalized learning paths for students.
Thinking Machines Lab is developing the infrastructure to make these scenarios not just possible, but practical.
Tinker: A Tool for the Builders
The lab’s first product, Tinker, is designed to help researchers and developers fine-tune large language models (LLMs) without needing massive compute power. It’s a step toward democratizing AI development—making it easier for small teams and startups to build intelligent systems tailored to their needs.
Tinker isn’t flashy, but it’s foundational. It reflects the lab’s commitment to accessibility, transparency, and control—three pillars that are essential for responsible AI.
Why This Matters
As AI becomes more powerful, the stakes get higher. We need systems that are:
- Transparent: Users should understand how decisions are made.
- Adaptable: AI should learn from feedback and context.
- Ethical: Technology must align with human values and goals.
- Inclusive: Tools should be usable by everyone, not just tech giants.
Thinking Machines Lab is building toward this future—not with hype, but with substance.
A New Kind of Intelligence
The phrase “general intelligence” often evokes images of superhuman machines. But Thinking Machines Lab is reframing it as collaborative intelligence—AI that complements human strengths, fills gaps, and expands possibilities.
This isn’t about replacing people. It’s about empowering them.
Whether you’re a researcher, educator, entrepreneur, or artist, the future of AI will be shaped by how well it understands and supports your work. Thinking Machines Lab is betting that the best way forward is together.