Microsoft is taking a remarkable strategic step: The company aims to reduce its strong dependence on OpenAI and will increasingly rely on its own AI models in the future. This reorientation was explained by Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, in a detailed interview with the Financial Times – and it marks a turning point in Microsoft’s AI roadmap.
Proprietary Foundation Models from 2026 Onwards
According to Suleyman, Microsoft is already working intensively on its own foundation models, which are expected to be available from 2026. The goal is to remain at the technological forefront while achieving greater independence from external partners. The models are to be specifically optimized for professional, regulated, and complex enterprise scenarios – a clear indication that Microsoft is aligning its AI strategy even more strongly with enterprise customers.
A “Humanistic Superintelligence” as a Long-Term Vision
In an interview with the Financial Times, Suleyman describes an ambitious vision: a “humanistic superintelligence” that is intellectually equivalent to humans but always remains under human control. This form of AGI is not intended to autonomously supersede humans but to serve as a tool – safe, controllable, and geared towards the needs of organizations.
Massive Changes Expected in the World of Work
Suleyman expects the next 18 months to profoundly change the world of work. Particularly affected sectors include:
• Healthcare (through specialized “Medical Superintelligence”)
• Law, accounting, project management
• Marketing and knowledge work
• Software development and automation
AI systems are increasingly expected to be able to learn, act, and take on complex tasks independently. At the same time, companies should be able to train their own models in the future – as easily as “recording a podcast.”
Partnership with OpenAI Remains – but Becomes More Flexible
Microsoft remains a central partner of OpenAI and holds approximately 27% of its for-profit division. IP rights to OpenAI models are also secured until 2032. Nevertheless, Microsoft is opening up the partnership: OpenAI should be able to attract new investors and infrastructure partners more easily in the future.
In parallel, Microsoft is increasing its investments in other AI companies such as Anthropic and Mistral AI – a clear sign of a diversified AI strategy.
What Does This Mean for Companies in the DACH Region?
For organizations relying on Microsoft technologies, several important implications arise:
• Greater model diversity in Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure
• Stronger control over data protection, compliance, and data sovereignty
• More stable roadmaps, as Microsoft is less dependent on external decisions
• Faster innovation, especially in regulated industries
• New automation potential in ERP, accounting, project management, and knowledge work
Especially for companies that still have reservations about OpenAI today, this development is a strong signal: Microsoft is building a sovereign, enterprise-focused AI platform that is broader and more independent in the long term.
