Technology

OpenAI claims solution to fluid equations problem amid dispute over credit

Business Insider reports that researchers and OpenAI are clashing over research findings and data usage on Navier-Stokes equations.

Updated Sep 8, 2026 · 19:50 UTC1 reports

The short version

Mathematicians Tristan Buckmaster and Levent Alpöge published research on fluid dynamics, while OpenAI announced it solved the Navier-Stokes Millennium Prize Problem.[Business Insider]
Buckmaster alleged that OpenAI learned of their results beforehand and used an internal model to make progress on the problem.[Business Insider]
OpenAI denied accessing specific user data to resolve the equation, though it acknowledged de-identified user activity might have improved its models.[Business Insider]
OpenAI researcher Sebastian Bubeck disputed claims that he attempted to remove Alpöge from authorship credit.[Business Insider]

OpenAI formally claimed to have solved the Navier-Stokes Millennium Prize Problem.[Business Insider]
Mathematicians Tristan Buckmaster and Levent Alpöge published papers concerning mathematical breaking points in fluid prediction.[Business Insider]
Buckmaster claimed OpenAI learned of their work and asserted an internal AI model progressed on the problem.[Business Insider]
OpenAI said no specific user information was directly accessed to solve the equation, but could not exclude de-identified user data from having improved its models.[Business Insider]
OpenAI's terms of service permit training models on user data unless an opt-out is exercised.[Business Insider]

OpenAI's Sebastian Bubeck disputed Tristan Buckmaster's statements by denying he ever asked for Levent Alpöge to be removed as an author.[Business Insider]
The extent to which de-identified user data contributed to OpenAI's mathematical model remains unconfirmed by the company.[Business Insider]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.