OpenAI Expands AI into Chip Design, Cuts Costs to Compete with Open-Source Models

OpenAI targets chip design and life sciences, slashes Luna model prices by 80% to beat open-source rivals.

September 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — San Francisco, United States — OpenAI is expanding its artificial intelligence into specialized industries like chip design and life sciences, while reducing costs to compete with open-source alternatives, according to Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar.

Friar highlighted the company’s focus on tailored AI solutions for enterprises seeking measurable returns on investment. She emphasized that OpenAI is testing outcome-based pricing models, a shift from traditional usage-based charges, as businesses demand more accountability in their AI spending.

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The firm recently reduced the price of its lower-cost Luna model by 80%, which led to a tenfold increase in usage. OpenAI’s coding tool, Codex, now has 25 million users. Enterprise revenue rose 32% from June to July, outpacing annualized growth of 20%. The company reported that enterprise and consumer segments were nearly evenly split by mid-year, ahead of its original target.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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