The expansion marks OpenAI’s first dedicated operation in Israel under CEO Sam Altman. Instead of opening a research and development center like Microsoft, Google, Nvidia and Apple, the company is focusing on sales, enterprise partnerships and customer support. OpenAI has already hired a former Amazon Web Services executive to lead the effort and is recruiting additional employees in Tel Aviv.
The move reflects Israel’s growing importance in the global AI race. Although the country is not known for training large AI models, it has become a major hub for startups building products on top of technologies developed by companies such as OpenAI. Thousands of Israeli startups now use generative AI, making the country an attractive market for leading AI providers.
For OpenAI, the expansion provides direct access to one of the world’s most innovative technology ecosystems while strengthening relationships with Israeli businesses. As competition in artificial intelligence accelerates, the company is increasing its commercial footprint in markets where AI adoption is growing the fastest.