Epoch AI

Track the trajectory of artificial intelligence through rigorous data on compute scaling, hardware trends, and model benchmarks for informed decision-making.

Epoch AI screenshot

About Epoch AI

Epoch AI is a specialized research organization that provides a scientific foundation for understanding the evolution of artificial intelligence. Operating as a data-first nonprofit, it bridges the gap between industry hype and empirical evidence by systematically tracking the drivers, progress, and impacts of AI. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of open-access databases and analytical reports that cover everything from historical machine learning model data to real-time shifts in inference costs and hardware efficiency. The tool functions as a centralized intelligence hub where users can explore interactive charts and deep-dive reports. Key features include the AI Model Database, which tracks over 3,200 models from 1950 to the present, and the Frontier Data Centers tracker, which maps out the world's most powerful computing clusters. Beyond static data, Epoch AI develops advanced benchmarking tools like FrontierMath to test the limits of modern LLMs. Their research methodology involves inferring trends from financial disclosures, analyst reports, and technical papers to provide 90% confidence intervals for metrics like training compute growth and algorithmic efficiency. This platform is designed for a diverse set of stakeholders including policymakers, academic researchers, and institutional investors who require objective data to guide their strategies. It is particularly valuable for government bodies looking for evidence-based insights to craft AI regulations and for AI labs needing to benchmark their progress against industry-wide trends. Journalists also use the platform's reliable statistics to add depth to their reporting on the AI industry's resource requirements and economic consequences. What distinguishes Epoch AI from traditional market research firms is its focus on long-term trajectories and its commitment to transparency. As a nonprofit, its research is independent and neutral, often uncovering nuances that corporate reports might overlook—such as the specific rate of pre-training compute efficiency improvements. By providing mission-aligned consultation services alongside their free public data, they offer a unique hybrid of open-source intelligence and bespoke advisory for the benefit of society.

Epoch AI pros & cons

Pros

  • Provides independent and neutral data-driven research supported by high-quality evidence.
  • Tracks a massive historical database of over 3,200 machine learning models.
  • Offers state-of-the-art benchmarks like FrontierMath for testing advanced reasoning.
  • Data is trusted and used by leading global institutions and government departments.
  • Utilizes rigorous methodology including 90% confidence intervals for all trend estimates.

Cons

  • Primary focus is on high-level industry trends rather than consumer software tools.
  • Some data insights rely on inferred estimates from complex financial disclosures.
  • Advanced custom research and advisory require booking a separate consultation.
  • The website content is highly technical and geared toward professional researchers.

Epoch AI use cases

  • Policy advisors can use the data on compute scaling and hardware trends to inform evidence-based national AI strategies.
  • Academic researchers can access historical model data and compute estimates to ground their peer-reviewed studies in empirical evidence.
  • Institutional investors can track hyperscaler capex and chip sales to better understand the economic trajectory of the sector.
  • AI developers can use the FrontierMath benchmark to rigorously test the math capabilities of their models against industry standards.
  • Journalists can utilize verified statistics on data center capacity and inference costs to add technical depth to their reporting.

Epoch AI features

  • newsletter & research blog
  • inference price tracking
  • economic impact modeling
  • hardware performance analysis
  • frontiermath benchmarking
  • compute trend forecasting
  • frontier data centers tracker
  • ai model database (3,200+ models)

Epoch AI pricing

Is Epoch AI free? Yes, Epoch AI has a free plan.

Custom Consultations

Price varies

  • Commissioned research reports
  • Model evaluations
  • Strategic advisory
  • Custom data analysis
  • Mission-aligned partnerships

Public Research

Free

  • Open-access AI model database
  • Frontier data center tracker
  • AI trend reports
  • Interactive data visualizations
  • Benchmarking results
  • Gradient Updates newsletter

Epoch AI FAQs

What kind of data does Epoch AI track?

Epoch AI maintains extensive databases on machine learning models, frontier data centers, AI chip sales, and hardware performance. They also track specific trends like LLM inference pricing, training compute growth, and algorithmic progress.

Can I use Epoch AI's data for my own research?

Yes, many of their graphs and datasets are available under a CC-BY license, allowing you to download and use them with proper attribution. They also provide downloadable notebooks and raw data insights for deeper analysis.

Does Epoch AI offer custom research for organizations?

Yes, they offer mission-aligned services including commissioned research, model evaluations, and consultations. They have previously partnered with institutions like Stanford’s AI Index and the UK government.

How often is the data updated?

The platform features regular updates, with some datasets like Frontier Data Centers showing recent timestamps from early 2026. They also release weekly commentary on AI news through their newsletter.

Is Epoch AI an AI lab that builds models?

No, Epoch AI is a research nonprofit that investigates the trajectory of AI rather than building consumer-facing models. Their work focuses on monitoring the industry, evaluating capabilities, and forecasting impacts.

Open roles

All AI jobs

Special Projects Associate

Benefits:

  • Annual salary between $75,000–$100,000 USD

  • Fully remote environment and flexible hours

  • Comprehensive health insurance and pension plan

  • Generous PTO (30 days protected)

  • Paid work trips and staff retreats

Experience Requirements:

  • Two or more years of prior work experience

Other Requirements:

  • Schedule overlap for at least 7 work hours with UTC-4/5

  • Avidly follow AI developments

  • Great written and verbal communication skills

  • Comfort with startup-like environment

  • Professional level English proficiency

Responsibilities:

  • Find contributors for new benchmarks

  • Coordinate with experts for quality standards

  • Organize events such as symposiums

  • Support data team with data licensing

  • General operations and external communications

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(Senior) Researcher

scienceremote$100,000 USD - $250,000 USD full-time

Benefits:

  • Annual salary between $100,000 and $250,000 USD

  • Remote environment with flexible hours

  • Comprehensive health insurance and pension plan

  • Generous PTO (30 days protected)

  • Paid work trips and staff retreats

Experience Requirements:

  • Prior research experience in at least one part of the AI pipeline

Other Requirements:

  • Overlap with UTC–8 (Pacific Time)

  • Estimation and forecasting skills

  • Strong coding skills for data analyses

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Professional level English proficiency

Responsibilities:

  • Pitching and developing new research projects

  • Making estimates and forecasts

  • Tracking new model releases and benchmarks

  • Evaluating technical claims and reports

  • Managing multiple workstreams

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