Ali Farhadi joins Microsoft SuperIntelligence team after stepping down from AI2
Former AI2 CEO and University of Washington Professor confirms move to Microsoft’s SuperIntelligence team in LinkedIn post.
Microsoft has appointed Ali Farhadi, CVP of AI at Microsoft SuperIntelligence and Professor at the University of Washington, to its SuperIntelligence team, following his departure as CEO of the Allen Institute for AI.
Farhadi confirmed the move in a post on LinkedIn, where he outlined his reasons for joining Microsoft and the direction he sees for the next phase of AI development.
Farhadi sets out shift to integrated AI systems
Farhadi said: “I’m excited to share that I’ve decided to join the Microsoft SuperIntelligence team,” positioning the move as an opportunity to work within a more integrated AI environment.
He added that the shift reflects a broader change in how AI systems are being developed, moving beyond standalone models toward tightly connected ecosystems. “I believe this is an opportunity to work on something that goes beyond what a frontier lab can do alone: exploring what becomes possible when AI is built from within a frontier ecosystem,” he said.
Farhadi said that future systems will depend on coordination across multiple layers of technology, noting: “The next generation of models and agents will require a tight loop between data, tools, code, enterprise infrastructure, and large-scale compute platforms—all working fluidly together in a carefully orchestrated way.”
He pointed to Microsoft’s position across enterprise and infrastructure as a factor in his decision, stating: “Microsoft has all the pieces to win in this AI race: data, search, coding, infrastructure, agents, software, and the world's biggest Fortune 500 companies taking dependencies on MS everyday. That puts this frontier modeling team in a unique position to deliver AI that can truly change the world.”
Farhadi also referenced collaboration with senior leadership, adding: “I am thrilled to have the chance to work with world class leaders like Mustafa Suleyman who is deeply committed to up leveling AI capabilities in service of humanity.”
Departure from AI2
In a separate LinkedIn post, Farhadi confirmed he has stepped down as CEO of the Allen Institute for AI after overseeing a period of model development and open research output.
Reflecting on his time at the organization, he said: “After lining up $1B+, releasing 300+ models and artifacts, empowering 33M+ downloads, and enabling 6B+ live interactions to our online services and APIs, it is now time to say farewell to Ai2 and its amazing people.”
He referenced projects including Olmo, Molmo, and Tulu as part of the institute’s work, adding: “Ai2 has defined what it means to have a truly open approach to AI, and what AI can do for science discovery, cancer research, and our planet. I am beyond proud of our team at Ai2.”
Farhadi said the organization is positioned to continue its work following his departure: “Today I am stepping down as CEO, but I feel confident that I am leaving the institute ready to build on these foundations to enable AI that benefits all of humanity. Ai2 is in the strongest position it has ever been and is set for sustained impact for years to come.”
