---
title: "Thinking Machines Co-founder Lilian Weng Departs for Health Reasons, Then Joins OpenAI"
source: "TechCrunch：AI（RSS）"
source_tier: "t2"
url: "https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/29/thinking-machines-co-founder-lilian-weng-left-the-company-citing-health-reasons-then-joined-openai/"
permalink: "https://feed.astralor.com/items/itm_e6d60af30fb2da356ee8b1da"
published: "2026-07-29T21:07:48.000Z"
score: 63
channel: "ai"
tags: ["AI Security","OpenAI","Thinking Machines","Talent Mobility","Lilian Weng"]
---

# Thinking Machines Co-founder Lilian Weng Departs for Health Reasons, Then Joins OpenAI

## AI commentary

> This news is worth watching because it reveals how top-tier AI safety experts navigate between startups and giants, with health, strategy, and geopolitical factors at play. For AI safety professionals, it's both a career reference and a signal that the talent war in this field is intensifying.

## At a glance

Lilian Weng, co-founder of Thinking Machines, left the company citing health reasons and subsequently joined OpenAI. She previously served as VP of AI Safety Research at OpenAI, and her return has drawn industry attention, highlighting the ongoing mobility of top AI talent and the strategic importance of safety research.

## Key points

- Lilian Weng left her co-founded company Thinking Machines for health reasons.
- She previously served as VP of AI Safety Research at OpenAI and has rejoined the organization.
- The move underscores the scarcity and accelerating mobility of top AI safety talent.

## Full text

Weng previously served as the VP of AI Safety Research at OpenAI.

---

Verify against the original before citing; curated by Astral Feed: https://feed.astralor.com/items/itm_e6d60af30fb2da356ee8b1da