Rishabh Agarwal, an accomplished AI researcher with a strong background from Google Brain and DeepMind, recently made headlines by departing Meta’s Superintelligence Labs just five months after joining at a million-dollar salary. His exit sheds light on the volatile and competitive nature of the race among tech giants to pioneer breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.
Key Highlights About Rishabh Agarwal and His Tenure
Rishabh Agarwal joined Meta in April 2025, bringing 7.5 years of experience from renowned institutions including Google Brain and DeepMind.
At Meta, Agarwal contributed to advancing generative AI models, focusing on post-training techniques for “thinking” models, achieving promising performance with complex reinforcement learning approaches.
Despite working alongside top-tier talent in a high-performance environment, Agarwal publicly announced on social media that leaving was a “tough decision” but motivated by the desire to take a “different kind of risk.”
Agarwal’s departure is part of a wider trend, with several AI researchers recently leaving Meta to join competitors such as OpenAI and emerging startups.
Current plans for Agarwal include joining Periodic Labs, a newly formed AI startup co-founded by ex-OpenAI and DeepMind researchers focused on AI-driven materials discovery.
Background And Influences Behind The Departure
Agarwal praised Meta’s “talent and compute density” in his exit message but indicated that his career aspirations required embracing new challenges beyond a traditional corporate AI lab setting. The competitive fintech field’s intense pace, strategic realignments within Meta, and an evolving AI talent marketplace likely influenced his decision.
Meta’s Ambitious Superintelligence Lab And Its Challenges
Meta launched the Superintelligence Labs in 2025 under CEO Mark Zuckerberg to accelerate AI innovation and compete with rivals like OpenAI. Despite lucrative pay packages aimed at attracting top talent, the lab has faced turbulence characterized by multiple high-profile departures. Analysts highlight organizational restructuring, bureaucratic complexities, and cultural shifts as key challenges.
Industry Implications And The AI Talent War
Agarwal’s move exemplifies a broader tech industry pattern of fierce competition for AI experts, with startups and incumbents alike seeking leadership in artificial general intelligence. Talent mobility reflects the dynamic nature of AI research, emphasizing the need for innovative environments and visionary leadership.
Looking Ahead: What This Means For AI Progress
As Rishabh Agarwal embarks on his next chapter at a pioneering startup, his journey underlines that breakthroughs in AI require not only funding but also the freedom to explore novel scientific approaches. Meta and other giants must continuously evolve to retain and nurture such talent in their quest to unlock the future of computing.
Sources: Financial Express, WIRED, Times of India, Business Insider
