Company aims for massive AI expansion with new corporate model, eyeing Canadian infrastructure and global influence

THUNDER BAY – TECH NEWS UPDATE — OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has officially restructured into a public benefit corporation, a significant move that reshapes its relationship with investors, regulators—and the future of artificial intelligence.

The restructuring gives OpenAI greater access to capital and commercial partnerships, while still being governed by its original non-profit arm. It’s a hybrid model, blending public interest with private enterprise, and it could have ripple effects across the global AI landscape—including right here in Canada, where OpenAI is exploring new AI data-centre capacity.

Microsoft Now Owns 27% of OpenAI’s For-Profit Arm

As part of the announcement Tuesday, OpenAI also revealed a revamped partnership with Microsoft, giving the tech giant a 27% stake in its newly reorganized for-profit division.

While Microsoft remains a key investor and partner—providing cloud computing power and integration into products like Bing and Office—the company’s influence over future AI breakthroughs is now slightly reduced.

Critically, OpenAI has shifted how it defines and governs its most ambitious goal: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—systems that outperform humans in most economically valuable work.

Now, an independent expert panel will verify if AGI has been achieved, not just OpenAI’s internal board. Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s core research will continue until 2030 or until AGI is verified, whichever comes first.

Why It Matters for Thunder Bay and Canada

OpenAI’s plans to expand AI infrastructure in Canada put this country in the spotlight. With growing tech capabilities and abundant natural resources to support clean energy-powered data centres, Northwestern Ontario could eventually become part of that expansion story—especially with new federal incentives for green tech investment.

Regulatory Concerns Still Linger

The restructuring hasn’t come without controversy. Attorneys general in both California and Delaware—the states where OpenAI is headquartered and incorporated—have opened investigations into whether the new setup gives too much sway to commercial interests.

OpenAI insists the structure preserves non-profit control while unlocking billions for mission-driven initiatives. Chair of the board Bret Taylor announced the OpenAI Foundation will grant out $25 billion USD toward health innovation, disease cures, and AI-related cybersecurity defence. However, no timeline was provided for the fund distribution.

Critics remain skeptical.
Robert Weissman of Public Citizen called the nonprofit control “illusory,” arguing there’s little sign OpenAI’s non-profit board has reined in for-profit motives so far.

What’s Next

This recapitalization marks a new chapter for OpenAI’s future—and possibly for Canada’s growing AI ecosystem. As OpenAI eyes new data infrastructure and deeper integration with Microsoft’s tools, expect to see more AI-powered products rolling out across both consumer and enterprise sectors.

For Thunder Bay, the move underscores the importance of digital infrastructure investment and technological workforce development—as global AI momentum accelerates.