OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed immense pride in both his team’s scientific achievements and in his newborn son, who was born prematurely. Celebrating his son’s progress in learning to eat independently while still in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Altman shared his feelings on X, noting that this personal milestone surpassed his professional accomplishments. He had previously announced his son’s birth on February 23, emphasizing the joy and love he felt as a new parent despite the challenges of a premature birth. Altman, married to software engineer Oliver Mulherin, typically keeps his private life out of the spotlight.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and new father of a baby boy, expressed on Wednesday that he is “very proud” of the scientific and technical achievements of his team. However, he feels an even greater pride for his “preemie baby” who has learned to eat independently.
Altman’s child was born prematurely and is receiving treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). On Wednesday, the tech leader took to X to share, “I’m very proud of the OpenAI team for what may be the most significant scientific/technical breakthrough of recent decades. I thought that would always be my greatest source of pride in life. It turns out, I’m now even prouder of a preemie baby for figuring out how to eat on his own!”
In a follow-up post, he remarked, “I recognize that I’m experiencing some neurochemical responses here, but I don’t mind; it’s the best feeling ever.”
very proud of the openai team for what is perhaps the most impressive scientific/technical breakthrough of recent decades
thought that was the thing i’d always be most proud of in life
turns out i am now more proud of a preemie baby for learning how to eat on his own!
— Sam Altman (@sama) March 5, 2025
On February 23, Altman shared a heartfelt message on X to announce his son’s birth, stating that despite the challenges associated with premature births, his son was doing well.
“Welcome to the world, little guy!” the OpenAI CEO wrote alongside a picture of the baby holding an adult’s finger. “He arrived early and will be in the NICU for some time. He is doing great, and it’s wonderful to be in this little bubble taking care of him. I have never felt such love.”
Altman is married to software engineer Oliver Mulherin. The couple has maintained a low profile regarding their personal life, making few public appearances, though they did attend the US State Dinner hosted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2023 visit to the US.