Microsoft (MSFT) backed OpenAI is reportedly launching a PhD-level research agent that could cost $20,000 per month. The ultra-high-costing AI (artificial intelligence) agent is part of OpenAI’s next suite of premium agentic tools designed for specific applications. The news was first reported by The Information, but there is no definite timeline of when these specialized AI agents will be launched.
The news publication also mentioned that one of OpenAI’s largest investors, SoftBank (SFTBY), has decided to spend up to $3 billion on OpenAI’s agent products this year, showing massive interest in OpenAI’s models.
For now, the ChatGPT maker is focused on launching three different AI agents that could help in performing high-level tasks such as ranking sales leads, coding, and PhD-level research.
- A high-income knowledge worker agent costing $2,000 per month
- A specialized software developer agent priced at $10,000 a month
- PhD-level research agent costing $20,000 per month
How Will the New Agentic Tools Help OpenAI
The new suite of agentic tools could help the ChatGPT maker to generate higher revenue compared to its regular subscription models like ChatGPT Plus and Pro. The Sam Altman-led firm also offers ChatGPT Team and Enterprise plans that are targeted for corporate workforces.
OpenAI said that it aims to generate $4 billion in annualized revenue in 2025, of which 20%-25% could be contributed by AI agents. Hence, if these higher-priced models are widely adopted, could accelerate the revenue generation process. In February, OpenAI said that its monthly active users (MAUs) crossed 400 million, jumping by 33% in less than three months.
Earlier, AI agents were developed to enhance the efficiency of human workers by undertaking their routine tasks, giving them more time for research and strategic planning. However, with the rapid advancement of AI models and the ambition to reach AGI (artificial general intelligence), these models could probably end up doing most of the human work, even ending up replacing humans in some cases.
AGI refers to a level at which an AI model’s intelligence surpasses that of humans. OpenAI’s main vision is to become a pioneer in AGI, and these high-powered AI agentic tools suggest the company is moving one step closer to achieving its dream.
Is Microsoft a Long-Term Buy?
Wall Street remains highly optimistic about Microsoft stock’s long-term trajectory. On TipRanks, MSFT stock has a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 28 Buys and three Hold ratings. Also, the average Microsoft price target of $508.96 implies 26.9% upside potential from current levels.
