# OpenAI model allegedly disproves Exponential Time Hypothesis

Digest AI · Research · published 2026-10-26T15:30:00Z · updated 2026-10-26T23:34:58Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/openai-model-allegedly-disproves-exponential-time-hypothesis

## Summary

OpenAI claims an internal model disproved the Exponential Time Hypothesis (ETH), a long-standing conjecture in computer science. The company announced the result on October 26, saying its model found the disproof on October 16. OpenAI verified the claim using Lean, a proof-verification language, and published the model’s write-up and proof on GitHub.

Three researchers—Russell Impagliazzo, Ramamohan Paturi, and Ryan Williams—will independently review the claim. They emphasized their role is not an endorsement and warned that the result requires careful scrutiny. OpenAI agreed to release raw data and fund a conference for further examination. The researchers also raised questions about how credit should be assigned when AI discovers results first, referencing concerns from the Leiden declaration in June.

## Key points

- OpenAI’s internal model allegedly disproves the Exponential Time Hypothesis (ETH) on October 16, verified via Lean proof
- Researchers from UC San Diego and MIT will independently review the claim, but stress no endorsement or payment
- OpenAI released raw data and agreed to fund a conference for further scrutiny

## Why it matters

If verified, the disproof of ETH could reshape theoretical computer science by challenging assumptions about problem-solving complexity.

## Sources

1. [OpenAI says its AI model has disproved the Exponential Time Hypothesis](https://thenextweb.com/news/openai-exponential-time-hypothesis-false-kakeya-yang-mills) (thenextweb.com, 2026-10-26)
2. [OpenAI announces three big science discoveries and a new way to work with academics](https://theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1019143/openai-eth-kaseya-science-math-physics) (The Verge AI, 2026-10-26)

## Cite

Digest AI, "OpenAI model allegedly disproves Exponential Time Hypothesis", 26 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/openai-model-allegedly-disproves-exponential-time-hypothesis

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