OpenAI says its AI disproved a core complexity hypothesis and posts the proof

The Exponential Time Hypothesis shapes hundreds of computer-science results; OpenAI has published its model's natural-language argument and Lean formalization for outside examination.

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Primary source: x.com

Why it matters

A disproof of ETH would affect hundreds of results built on computational-hardness assumptions. OpenAI has published the argument and Lean formalization and organized independent scrutiny, making verification and access part of the release process.

Three people study a chalkboard covered in equations and diagrams as one writes; a blue circular logo and “Rw” label are visible.

OpenAI says its AI system has disproved the Exponential Time Hypothesis, a widely used assumption in computer science, and has published the model's argument and a Lean formalization for outside examination. The claim is one of three research results announced on October 26th, 2026 by Dan Roberts (@danintheory), who leads OpenAI's Frontiers team. Roberts also described the release in a thread on X.…

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