OpenAI and Microsoft sign non-binding MOU to advance AI safety and tools

TL;DR

• OpenAI and Microsoft signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the next phase of their partnership.
• The parties are actively working to finalize contractual terms in a definitive agreement.
• They remain focused on delivering the best AI tools for everyone, grounded in a shared commitment to safety.
• See also Statement on OpenAI’s Nonprofit and PBC.

Context and background

OpenAI and Microsoft publicly announced on September 11, 2025 that they have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the next phase of their collaboration. The arrangement is described as non-binding, with both sides actively working to finalize the contractual terms within a definitive agreement. The emphasis accompanying the announcement centers on delivering the best AI tools for everyone, while anchoring the partnership in a shared commitment to safety. This statement also references OpenAI’s broader governance framework, noting a related discussion titled Statement on OpenAI’s Nonprofit and PBC.

What’s new

• The partnership enters a defined next phase via a non-binding MOU, signaling continued collaboration between OpenAI and Microsoft.
• The parties are in the process of negotiating and finalizing terms for a definitive agreement.
• The focus remains on safety and broad accessibility to AI tools, reinforcing mutual commitments outlined in prior collaboration.

Why it matters (impact for developers/enterprises)

For developers and enterprises, the news signals an ongoing collaboration between two major tech players to shape the development and deployment of AI tools with safety as a cornerstone. While terms are being finalized, the arrangement indicates stability and continuity in the relationship, potentially impacting product roadmaps, licensing, and access to joint tooling and platforms offered by OpenAI and Microsoft.

Technical details or Implementation

Nature and status

• Nature: Non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) between OpenAI and Microsoft.
• Status: The parties are actively working to finalize contractual terms in a definitive agreement.
• Focus: Delivering the best AI tools for everyone with an emphasis on safety.

Table: Key aspects at a glance

Implementation considerations

The MOU establishes the framework for ongoing collaboration, with the expectation that a definitive agreement will capture specific terms related to technology access, safety protocols, governance, and potential deployment paths. The exact terms are not yet public, but the commitment to safety and broad accessibility remains explicit in the joint statement.

Key takeaways

• A non-binding MOU marks the next phase of OpenAI and Microsoft’s partnership.
• Both parties are pursuing a definitive agreement to formalize terms.
• Safety and broad access to AI tools are central to the collaboration.
• The announcement references related governance discussions around OpenAI’s nonprofit and PBC status.

References

• https://openai.com/index/joint-statement-from-openai-and-microsoft