Meta Hires Thinking Machines Lab Co-Founder Andrew Tulloch to Bolster AI Research

Meta has hired Andrew Tulloch, co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, to lead advancements in its AI research division, with a focus on generative AI and large language models (LLMs), as announced on October 10, 2025. Tulloch, a former Meta AI engineer and key contributor to the PyTorch framework, brings expertise in scalable AI systems, strengthening Meta’s push to compete with OpenAI and Google. TechCrunch

Details of Andrew Tulloch’s Hire

Tulloch’s appointment marks a significant step for Meta’s AI ambitions:

• Role and Focus: Tulloch joins Meta’s AI division as a senior research lead, tasked with advancing generative AI, LLMs, and AI infrastructure for platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp.
• Background: Co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, Tulloch led scalable AI training systems and contributed to PyTorch’s development, used by 70% of AI researchers globally.
• Strategic Timing: The hire follows Meta’s $10 billion AI investment in 2025 and aligns with its $20 billion Oracle deal for cloud and AI infrastructure.
• Team Integration: Tulloch will work under Yann LeCun, Meta’s chief AI scientist, to enhance Llama models and counter competitors like Claude and ChatGPT.

Reasons for the Hire

Meta’s recruitment of Tulloch is driven by strategic imperatives:

• AI Competition: Facing OpenAI’s antitrust case against Google and Claude’s 10 million Indian users, Meta aims to strengthen its LLM offerings.
• PyTorch Expertise: Tulloch’s work on PyTorch, critical for 80% of Meta’s AI projects, ensures faster model training and deployment.
• Generative AI Push: With India’s 115% festive e-commerce surge and $250B IT exports, Meta seeks to integrate advanced AI into its 700 million Indian users’ experience.
• Global Innovation: Tulloch’s hire aligns with trends like Abu Dhabi’s $3.5B AI strategy and India’s $20B semiconductor scheme, boosting Meta’s global AI footprint.

Implications for Meta and India’s AI Ecosystem

Tulloch’s expertise will have significant impacts:

1. Meta’s AI Leadership: Enhanced Llama models could capture 20% more market share in generative AI, challenging Claude and Grok (64M users).
2. India’s Market: With 700 million Facebook and WhatsApp users in India, AI-driven features like content personalization could drive engagement.
3. Talent Pipeline: Complements CBSE’s AI curriculum and India’s 10 million AI job goal by 2030, fostering local AI innovation.
4. Regulatory Risks: OpenAI’s Google antitrust case and India’s Binance probe ($42M) highlight potential scrutiny for Meta’s AI practices.

The Bigger Picture: India’s AI Surge

India’s AI landscape, with family businesses driving 70% of GDP and high Claude adoption, is primed for growth. Tulloch’s hire aligns with global trends like China’s Qualcomm probe and Trump’s 100% Chinese tariffs, emphasizing AI’s strategic role. As India leverages Russian oil savings ($7-$10B) and SpaceFields’ ₹42 crore raise, Meta’s AI push could amplify its digital economy.

What’s Next for Meta and Tulloch?

Key developments to watch:

• Llama model upgrades by Q2 2026, potentially rivaling Claude’s India usage.
• Meta’s AI feature rollout for Indian users on WhatsApp and Instagram.
• Impact of global AI regulations on Meta’s operations.
• Collaboration with Indian AI startups, leveraging the $20B semiconductor scheme.

Conclusion

Meta’s hire of Andrew Tulloch in 2025 strengthens its AI research, leveraging his PyTorch expertise to compete in generative AI and LLMs. In India, where Claude leads and AI education surges, Meta’s move could enhance user experiences and innovation. As global AI competition intensifies, Tulloch’s role will shape Meta’s future