Key players include OpenAI (project initiator and ChatGPT creator), Microsoft (GitHub owner with a significant stake in OpenAI), and GitHub. The report originates from The Information, citing a person familiar with the project; Reuters could not verify it independently, and none of the companies responded to comment requests.[1][2]
Background and timeline: OpenAI engineers faced increased GitHub outages in recent months, leading to this early-stage project, which may take months to complete. Employees have discussed selling the repository to OpenAI customers.[1][2] This follows OpenAI's $110 billion funding round valuing it at $840 billion, involving Big Tech and SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, amid ongoing AI investment despite bubble concerns.[1][2]
Newsworthy now due to the irony of OpenAI—a Microsoft-backed firm—directly challenging its investor via a GitHub rival, signaling potential tensions in their partnership as AI competition intensifies. The story broke March 3, 2026, via The Information, amplified by Reuters.[1][2][3]