Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist, is leaving to start his own AI start-up focusing on “world models” to replicate human reasoning. CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s shift towards “superintelligence” initiatives led to LeCun’s departure as Meta focuses on commercial AI products over long-term research.

Zuckerberg hired Alexandr Wang to lead Meta’s Superintelligence division, investing $14.3 billion in Scale AI. LeCun’s disagreement with Meta’s heavy reliance on large language models led to his decision to pursue his own AI research on “world models” at his upcoming start-up.

Recent AI leadership changes at Meta include Joelle Pineau leaving for Cohere and layoffs in the AI division. Investor pressure following a stock plunge led Zuckerberg to indicate increased AI spending, resulting in a philosophical and structural rift in Meta’s AI program.

LeCun’s departure signifies a potential competitor in the race towards true artificial general intelligence, as Meta’s stock closed at $627.08 on Tuesday, down 0.74%. The after-hours trading price on the NasdaqGS is $627.00, down 0.01%.

Read more at Nasdaq: Meta’s Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun To Depart And Launch AI Start-Up Focused On ‘World Models’