Jeff Bezos to Lead $6.2 Billion AI Startup ‘Project Prometheus’ as CEO

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, is taking on a significant leadership role once again. He will serve as co-CEO of a new artificial intelligence startup named Project Prometheus. This venture is backed by $6.2 billion in funding, with contributions from Bezos himself. His return to a hands-on role comes after stepping down as Amazon’s chief executive in 2021.

Leadership at Project Prometheus

Alongside Bezos, Vik Bajaj has been appointed co-CEO. Bajaj has a notable background, having previously worked as a director at GoogleX. At GoogleX, he collaborated with co-founder Sergey Brin on innovative projects such as Waymo, which developed self-driving cars.

Startup Focus and Goals

Project Prometheus is currently operating in stealth mode, with few details available regarding its founding and location. However, it aims to concentrate on applying AI in engineering and manufacturing within several sectors, notably:

• Computers
• Aerospace
• Automobiles

The venture plans to work closely with Bezos’ commercial space exploration company, Blue Origin. The name “Project Prometheus” references the Titan from Greek mythology, symbolizing both the inspiration and potential dangers associated with AI technologies.

Bezos’ Vision for the Future

Bezos’ aspirations extend beyond AI into the realm of space exploration. He recently expressed his belief that millions of people could live in space within the next few decades. At the Italian Tech Week 2025, he remarked on the potential of robotics and AI to facilitate off-planet living and support tasks currently performed by humans.

His predictions reflect a long-term view of technological advancement. He has emphasized the need for innovation to provide what he calls “civilizational abundance.” This perspective starkly contrasts with the more cautious views present in technology discussions today.

Debate Surrounding AI Technologies

The announcement of Project Prometheus has ignited conversations regarding the future role of AI. Bezos acknowledges an “AI bubble,” comparing it to the biotech bubble of the late 1990s. He differentiated between the industrial aspects of the current AI landscape and financial bubbles, projecting that, despite short-term uncertainties, the long-term benefits of AI will be immense.

Both Bezos and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon noted that while there may be excess capital inflating the market, the potential transformative impact of AI across various industries is undeniable. Bezos remains optimistic about the future, asserting, “AI is real, and it is going to change every industry.”