Meta has launched a new division called Meta Superintelligence Labs to boost its progress in artificial general intelligence (AGI). This step comes as Meta reorganizes its AI efforts to stay competitive with companies like Google, OpenAI, and DeepSeek. Sources say Alexandr Wang, who previously led Scale AI, will head the new team. He will serve as Meta’s Chief AI Officer. The goal is to advance AGI—a type of AI that could one day match or even surpass human intelligence.
The move follows recent internal challenges for Meta, such as a lukewarm response to its open-source Llama 4 model and the exit of key AI researchers. Meta aims to boost its AI tools—like its chatbot, ad creation features, and smart glasses—through this newly formed lab. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is said to have played a direct role in hiring top AI talent, reportedly reaching out to candidates through WhatsApp and offering multi-million-dollar compensation packages.
In addition to hiring Wang, Meta has also brought on Daniel Gross, co-founder of Safe Superintelligence (SSI), and Nat Friedman, former GitHub CEO, who will co-lead the new division and focus on product development and applied AI research. Other new hires include former researchers from DeepMind, OpenAI, and Anthropic, signaling Meta’s serious push toward building a world-class AI team.
Meta recently invested $14.3 billion in Scale AI, further showing its commitment to building advanced AI systems. However, some analysts remain cautious. Meta has previously invested heavily in its Reality Labs division for virtual and augmented reality but has yet to see strong returns. Since 2020, the unit has lost more than $60 billion, despite launching products like Ray-Ban smart glasses and Quest headsets.
Even with big plans, achieving AGI is still uncertain. Meta’s chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun, has expressed doubts that current AI models are enough to reach full general intelligence. On the other hand, SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son thinks AGI might be possible in the next decade.
Even with uncertainty ahead, Meta’s restructuring and talent push show its commitment to leading the next phase of AI development. Whether this bet pays off or becomes another long-term experiment will depend on how the technology—and competition—evolves.
