# OpenAI CEO Altman says he feels conflicted about AI solving math problems

Digest AI · Society & Work · published 2026-10-29T13:07:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/openai-ceo-altman-says-he-feels-conflicted-about-ai-solving-math-probl

## Summary

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed that he feels conflicted about the company’s work on solving major mathematical problems. He told Stripe President John Collison on the "Cheeky Pint" podcast that while AI can help understand the universe, he empathises with mathematicians who are concerned about the impact of frontier models.

The controversy grew after OpenAI withdrew from a Caltech math hackathon when current and former Caltech mathematicians warned the event could have destructive effects on the mathematical community. Separately, 28 Fields Medal winners released an open letter warning that AI companies pushing math benchmarks harms the science of mathematics.

OpenAI had earlier announced that its models found a counter‑example to the Navier‑Stokes equations, a 90‑year‑old Millennium Problem, and the Clay Mathematics Institute had offered $1 million for a solution. Altman said the company is working through how to continue scientific research while respecting specialized communities.

## Key points

- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says he feels conflicted about AI solving math problems
- OpenAI withdrew from a Caltech math hackathon after mathematicians warned of destructive impacts
- 28 Fields Medal winners issued an open letter warning against AI pushing math benchmarks

## Why it matters

The debate highlights tensions between rapid AI progress and the integrity of specialized scientific fields, affecting how researchers and institutions engage with emerging technologies.

## Sources

1. [Sam Altman says he has ‘empathy’ for mathematicians who are upset about AI](https://businessinsider.com/sam-altman-openai-math-reaction-criticism-2026-10) (businessinsider.com, 2026-10-29)

Part of the developing story: [Altman Navigates AI Expertise and Legacy](https://digestai.news/thread/openai-s-sam-altman-calls-mba-students-a-chronic-disappointment-for-chasing-old) (2 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "OpenAI CEO Altman says he feels conflicted about AI solving math problems", 29 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/openai-ceo-altman-says-he-feels-conflicted-about-ai-solving-math-probl

---

Written by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources; the sources are the record. Headlines, digests and key points are written by Digest AI and may be quoted with a link to the story page. Linked articles belong to their publishers. Terms: https://digestai.news/terms#reuse
JSON: https://digestai.news/story/openai-ceo-altman-says-he-feels-conflicted-about-ai-solving-math-probl.json