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Meta Platforms is making a decisive move in artificial intelligence by establishing a new AI research lab focused on “superintelligence.” The company will bring in Alexandr Wang, founder and CEO of Scale AI, to lead the effort. This development follows Meta’s reported $14.8 billion agreement to acquire a 49% stake in Scale AI, marking one of the sector’s largest deals to date.
Meta’s decision to form an advanced research division signals a shift in its strategy as competition intensifies among technology giants. Alexandr Wang will oversee the new superintelligence lab at Meta, following the investment deal that positions Meta as a nearly equal partner with Scale AI. This transition aligns with Meta's commitment to advancing generative AI and machine learning. As a leading investor in artificial intelligence, the company plans to invest up to $65 billion in AI infrastructure this year.
Founded in 2016, Scale AI focuses on curating and labelling extensive datasets essential for developing and training advanced AI systems. Its clients include Meta and government agencies like the U.S. Department of Defence. Last year, the startup reported $870 million in revenue and forecasts over $2 billion in 2025, as noted by Bloomberg. The $14.8 billion transaction will further deepen Meta’s access to high-quality data and technical leadership as it strives to compete with AI leaders like Google and Microsoft.
Being only 28 years old, Alexandr Wang has been recognized as one of the youngest self-made billionaires in the technological sector. He is known for his expertise in data labelling and large language models, which form the backbone of generative AI systems. According to The Information reports, the leadership of Wang coincided with the goal of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to speed up work on ambitious AI projects and overcome recent setbacks in launching of new models.
Meta has encountered obstacles in launching its advanced AI tools, highlighted by the postponed release of its flagship model, "Behemoth," and varied responses to the introduction of Llama 4. The formation of a new partnership and lab is regarded as essential in addressing these challenges. Wang’s experience in scaling up data infrastructure and his track record in the industry may help Meta close the gap with top rivals and bring innovation to its AI offerings.
Also Read: What Is Meta AI and How Does it Work?
The alliance between Meta and Scale AI highlights the growth of financial stakes in the artificial intelligence industry. Industry sources estimate that capital spending among large tech companies on AI and cloud services will top $320 billion by 2025.
Analysts consider Meta's $14.8 billion investment a strategic hire and the building of world-class data resources. The deal structure, designed to avoid additional regulatory scrutiny, could set a precedent for future partnerships between big tech and leading startups.
