CNBC Exclusive | Jeff Bezos rejects AI job-loss fears, says productivity gains will create more opportunities

Jeff Bezos, co-founder and co-CEO of Prometheus, rejected concerns that artificial intelligence will eliminate jobs, stating in an exclusive interview with CNBC that AI will instead drive productivity gains and create new economic opportunities. Bezos argued that historical technological advancements—such as the plough, steam engine, and penicillin—eventually spread throughout society, improving living standards rather than displacing workers. He predicted that rising productivity from AI could allow people to work fewer hours while accessing a broader range of affordable goods and services, countering pessimistic views about job destruction. Prometheus, which is raising $12 billion in its Series B funding round, values the company at approximately $41 billion. The startup focuses on applying AI to engineering and manufacturing, aiming to accelerate development cycles in industries like semiconductors, aerospace, batteries, and solar manufacturing. Bezos and co-founder Vik Bajaj claim AI tools can reduce the time and labor required to design and produce complex products, such as jet engines, which currently take over a decade and thousands of engineers to develop. Bajaj emphasized that innovation, not just companies, drives job creation, arguing that faster invention leads to new industries and demand for workers. Prometheus’ vision aligns with this perspective, as its AI-driven approach could unlock a wave of industrial innovation, potentially increasing opportunities in engineering and manufacturing. The founders acknowledge that the technology remains in early stages, with significant technical challenges ahead, but they remain optimistic about its long-term impact. Investors continue to pour billions into AI companies amid ongoing debates about the technology’s effect on labor markets. While some economists warn of widespread job automation, particularly in administrative and knowledge-based roles, Bezos and Bajaj maintain that AI will ultimately expand economic activity and create new forms of employment. Prometheus’ focus on shortening development timelines and enhancing efficiency reflects this belief, positioning the company at the forefront of AI-driven industrial transformation.