Meta is set to launch an AI lab in 2025 to pursue superintelligence, led by Mark Zuckerberg. With ~50 researchers, a potential $10B+ Scale AI investment, and top talent recruitment, Meta aims to lead the AI race.

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is preparing to launch a new artificial intelligence (AI) research lab aimed at achieving artificial superintelligence (ASI), a system that surpasses human intelligence across all domains. As reported in June 2025, this initiative, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, positions Meta to compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. This article explores Meta’s forthcoming superintelligence lab, its strategic partnerships, and the ethical implications of pursuing advanced AI.

Meta’s Superintelligence Lab: A Strategic Vision

Meta is set to establish a new AI lab, internally referred to as the “superintelligence group,” which will comprise approximately 50 elite researchers and engineers. The lab’s goal is to advance beyond artificial general intelligence (AGI)—AI capable of matching human cognitive abilities—toward ASI. The New York Times reported on June 10, 2025, that Zuckerberg’s direct involvement underscores Meta’s urgency to accelerate its AI progress amid competition from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.

Key Objectives of the Lab

• Advancing AI Capabilities: Develop systems surpassing AGI to achieve superintelligence.

• Competitive Edge: Position Meta as a leader in the global AI race.

• Innovation Focus: Drive cutting-edge AI research.

Strategic Partnerships and Recruitment Efforts

To support its superintelligence ambitions, Meta is engaging with Scale AI, a San Francisco-based company specializing in AI data preparation. Founded by Alexandr Wang, Scale AI is critical for training advanced AI models, and Meta is in talks to invest billions—potentially exceeding $10 billion—to secure Scale’s expertise. Meta has also begun recruiting top AI researchers from organizations like OpenAI and Google, offering seven- to nine-figure compensation packages. Alexandr Wang is expected to play a key role in the lab’s leadership, as confirmed by multiple sources.

Why Scale AI Matters

• Data Expertise: Provides high-quality datasets essential for superintelligent systems.

• Industry Influence: Serves major players like Microsoft and OpenAI.

• Strategic Investment: Meta’s potential $10B+ investment highlights its commitment.

Opportunities and Challenges of Superintelligence

The pursuit of superintelligence offers transformative potential, including advancements in healthcare, education, and scientific research. However, it also presents significant challenges, particularly in ensuring safety and alignment with human values. Ethical concerns include:

• Control Risks: Superintelligent AI could become unpredictable, with experts like Geoffrey Hinton estimating a 10-20% chance of existential risks.

• Societal Implications: Potential job displacement and ethical dilemmas surrounding human agency.

Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist, has expressed confidence that humans will retain control over superintelligent systems, though the debate over AI safety remains active.

Competitive Landscape in AI Development

The AI industry is highly competitive, with tech giants racing to achieve AGI and beyond. OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, and Google are prominent in AGI research, while Anthropic pursues safe AI development. Meta’s planned lab signals a strategic effort to challenge these leaders, leveraging its resources to drive superintelligence innovation.

Key Competitors

• OpenAI: Known for ChatGPT and AGI advancements.

• Google: Investing heavily in AI infrastructure and models.

• Anthropic: Focused on safe AI, founded by ex-OpenAI researchers.

Ethical and Societal Considerations

The development of superintelligence raises critical ethical questions. Critics argue that ASI hype may serve corporate interests, exaggerating capabilities to attract investment. Transparent governance and international cooperation are vital to ensure safe AI development. Meta’s planned lab must address these concerns to build public trust and navigate regulatory landscapes.

Ethical Priorities

• AI Safety: Developing frameworks to control superintelligent systems.

• Transparency: Clearly communicating risks and benefits to stakeholders.

Meta’s forthcoming superintelligence lab represents a bold step toward redefining artificial intelligence. By partnering with Scale AI, recruiting top talent, and focusing on advanced research, Meta aims to lead the race for superintelligence. However, the path forward requires careful navigation of ethical and technical challenges. As Meta prepares to launch this initiative, its efforts will influence the future of technology and humanity’s relationship with intelligent systems.

Also read : Meta’s $10B Bet on Scale AI: Pivot to Data Power

Meta’s Shift to AI Content Moderation: Balancing Efficiency and Safety