In contrast with OpenAI, which follows a closed model, DeepSeek’s AI model discloses its full chain of reasoning in an open source model. Altman called DeepSeek’s R1 model “impressive” during a short thread on X.com early last week.

OpenAI chief Sam Altman has described the company's new Deep Research feature as being 'like a superpower.'The Latest Tech News, Delivered to Your Inbox

While Altman said he was initially sceptical of DeepSeek's low cost claims, he regarded the making of powerful small language models the most exciting development in the past year.

DeepSeek’s success has prompted discussions about whether training large language models truly requires billions of dollars in capital and cutting-edge semiconductor technology. Altman himself acknowledged the significance of DeepSeek’s progress, describing its R1 model as “impressive” for the limited funding it reportedly received.

OpenAI recently held an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, addressing important issues, including its $500 billion bet on Stargate, AGI, cost-effective competition from DeepSeek, and open-source strategy.