Jeff Bezos reportedly returns to the trenches as co-CEO of new AI startup, Project Prometheus

Published: Monday, November 17, 2025 at 2:33 pm

Bezos Returns to the AI Arena with New Startup

Tech titan Jeff Bezos is making a significant return to the operational side of business, co-leading a newly launched AI startup called Project Prometheus. The venture, which has already secured a substantial $6.2 billion in funding, aims to develop AI solutions for engineering and manufacturing across diverse sectors.

Bezos will share the co-CEO role with Vik Bajaj, a seasoned figure in the AI and life sciences fields. Bajaj's background includes leadership positions at Google's life sciences division, co-founding Verily (a biotech startup under Alphabet), and co-founding Foresite Labs, an AI-focused affiliate of Foresite Capital. Bajaj recently departed Foresite Labs to focus on Project Prometheus.

This marks Bezos's first foray back into active management since stepping down as CEO of Amazon in 2021. Project Prometheus intends to focus on AI applications within the "physical economy," targeting areas such as computers, aerospace, and automobiles. The startup's approach will reportedly mirror that of Periodic Labs, utilizing simulations of the physical world to train AI models and accelerate scientific research.

Project Prometheus has already assembled a team of nearly 100 employees, including researchers from prominent AI companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Google DeepMind. The company's focus on AI for engineering and manufacturing suggests a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for AI-driven efficiency and innovation in these critical industries.

BNN's Perspective:

The return of Jeff Bezos to a hands-on leadership role in a new AI venture is a clear signal of the continued importance and potential of artificial intelligence. While the specific applications of Project Prometheus remain to be seen, the substantial funding and experienced leadership team suggest a serious commitment to developing impactful AI solutions. This move highlights the ongoing evolution of the tech landscape and the willingness of established leaders to embrace new opportunities.

Keywords: Jeff Bezos, AI, startup, Project Prometheus, Vik Bajaj, funding, engineering, manufacturing, Google, OpenAI, Meta, Google DeepMind, physical economy, co-CEO

Full Story