Ex-OpenAI Researcher Shyamal Anadkat Seeks $15M for Empirical Machines

13 Oct 2026, 2:44 pm · 11h ago · 1 min read · Education Times

Amount

$15M

Stage

Seed

Shyamal Hitesh Anadkat, a former researcher who worked at OpenAI for nearly four years, has returned to India to launch his new AI startup, Empirical Machines. The venture focuses on accelerating scientific discovery and research through advanced artificial intelligence models. Anadkat is currently in active discussions with leading venture capital firms Peak XV Partners and Bessemer Venture Partners to raise $15 million in early-stage funding. The move highlights an increasing reverse brain drain of top global AI talent returning to build foundational technologies from India.