Verses is a US-based company developing AI systems patterned after ‘wisdom and genius of nature’. It has set up a billboard outside OpenAI headquarters expecting a tie-up and has published an open letter in the New York Times dated 19th December, 2023 claiming a breakthrough that could lead to more advanced form of AI.

The efforts of researchers are now directed to artificial general intelligence (AGI) which could match human capability or exceed it. That goal is called a singularity, later leading to superintelligence — AI outperforming the human being. Big Tech is in the race to develop AGI, which could benefit humanity. OpenAI’s founding mission written large on its website is to create AGI that benefits the whole of humanity.

Verses assertion in the billboard and its open letter do not disclose technical details but talks of a technical breakthrough in Active Inference. Sentience in living organisms can be comprehended by a mathematical framework. It is this framework that could unlock AGI (Active Inference is a book authored by Karl Friston an acclaimed neuroscientist, 2022). Active Inference outlines ‘free energy principle’.

Verses breakthrough could make the current models more reliable, efficient and aligned with human goals. Sam Altman of OpenAI knows that LLMs are not capable to push AI models into AGI. He believes another breakthrough is required.

Verses letter also talks about safety concerns. It considers itself as worthy of attention, and volunteers to develop general intelligence and superintelligence in collaboration, with safety concerns and beneficial effects in mind.