David Ha is an AI researcher and co-founder of Sakana AI, a Tokyo-based AI lab focused on nature-inspired approaches to foundation models. He co-founded the lab with Llion Jones in 2023 and serves as its CEO.
Background
Before co-founding Sakana AI, Ha was a research scientist at Google Brain, where he worked on generative models, neuroevolution, and creative AI applications. He is known for his accessible research communication and experimental approach to AI architectures.
Work at Sakana AI
Ha's work at Sakana AI centers on alternative approaches to scaling, including evolutionary and self-improving model architectures. The lab's Darwin Godel Machine research explores automated AI research processes, which raises questions about the oversight and controllability of self-modifying systems. Sakana AI is based in Japan, reflecting the geographic diversification of frontier AI development beyond the United States and China.
Relationships
- leads: Sakana AI — co-founder and CEO
- related: The Darwin Gödel Machine (Sakana AI, May 2025) — Sakana AI research on self-improving AI systems
- related: Llion Jones — co-founder of Sakana AI