Sakana AI Appoints Deep Learning Pioneer Jürgen Schmidhuber as Chief Scientific Advisor

On September 24, 2026, Sakana AI announced the appointment of deep learning pioneer Jürgen Schmidhuber as its Chief Scientific Advisor, tasking him with steering the newly formed Recursive Self-Improvement (RSI) Lab to advance "physical AI" and agent-native world models. For broader context, explore our AI News.

Schmidhuber's Role in Sakana AI's Vision

As Chief Scientific Advisor, Jürgen Schmidhuber will play a pivotal role in steering the direction of Sakana AI's Recursive Self-Improvement (RSI) Lab. This lab is designed to explore and implement recursive self-improvement as a continuous, self-reinforcing research process. Sakana AI's decision to bring Schmidhuber on board underscores its commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI, particularly in areas where his foundational work has been influential. For broader context, explore our Top 100 AI Tools.

Foundational Contributions to AI

Sakana AI credits Schmidhuber with significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence. His work includes foundational concepts on world models from 1990 and early deep learning techniques developed in 1991. Furthermore, his 1987 thesis on meta-learning and recursive self-improvement is cited as a key influence on Sakana's projects, such as the Darwin Gödel Machine and The AI Scientist. These historical contributions highlight a long-standing engagement with the principles that Sakana AI is now actively pursuing.

Focus on Physical AI and Agent-Native World Models

The appointment of Schmidhuber aligns with Sakana AI's strategic bet on the next frontier of AI: "physical AI" and agent-native world models. This focus extends to practical applications in industrial manufacturing, supply chains, and robotics. By integrating these advanced AI concepts, Sakana AI aims to use Japan's legacy in manufacturing and robotics, known as Monozukuri, to develop innovative solutions.

Implications for Global AI Research and Development

Sakana AI's move to attract top-tier international researchers like Schmidhuber to Tokyo suggests a broader trend of reversing brain drain, drawing leading minds to Japan. This initiative could bolster Japan's position in the global AI landscape, fostering an environment for advanced research and development. Schmidhuber will maintain his existing positions while serving in his new advisory capacity at Sakana AI, indicating a collaborative approach to his involvement.

Conclusion

The addition of Jürgen Schmidhuber as Chief Scientific Advisor marks a significant development for Sakana AI and its Recursive Self-Improvement Lab. This collaboration is set to explore advanced AI concepts, including physical AI and agent-native world models, with a clear link to industrial applications. The initiative reflects a strategic effort to advance AI research and development from Tokyo, drawing on foundational work in deep learning and recursive self-improvement.

Sources

• snowboat-blog/AI圈大V名单.md at main - GitHub
• Darwin Gödel Machine: Open-Ended Evolution of Self-Improving...
• Machine Learning Feb 2025 - arXiv
• Machine Learning Feb 2025 - arXiv
• The Next Frontier: Welcoming AI Pioneer Jürgen Schmidhuber to Sakana AI