The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has reignited debates about the future of work and economic inequality, with many AI leaders now advocating for universal basic income (UBI) as a necessary response. UBI, a recurring cash payment given to all citizens regardless of income or employment status, is no longer seen as a distant utopian idea but as a practical solution to potential job displacement caused by automation. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has been one of the most vocal supporters. He has long argued that as AI systems grow more capable, they will displace large numbers of workers across industries. To address this, Altman launched a major UBI study in 2019 through the nonprofit OpenResearch, with OpenAI contributing $60 million—$14 million of which came from Altman personally. The study provided $1,000 monthly payments to 1,000 low-income residents in Texas and Illinois for three years, while another group received $50 monthly. Results showed a significant drop in stress, mental distress, and food insecurity in the first year, though these benefits diminished over time. The study concluded that while cash helps with immediate financial needs, it cannot solve deeper systemic issues like housing costs, healthcare, or childcare. Altman has also explored alternative models, such as "universal basic compute," where individuals receive access to a share of AI computing power rather than cash. He believes this could be more efficient than distributing money, especially as AI models become central to daily life. Elon Musk has also championed UBI, warning that automation could make traditional employment obsolete. He has supported the idea through his involvement with projects like Worldcoin, which uses iris scanning to create a global digital identity system. Worldcoin’s long-term vision includes using this infrastructure to distribute UBI securely and at scale. Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla has stated that UBI could become essential as AI reduces the need for human labor. He believes that in a future where machines perform most jobs, UBI is one of the few viable ways to ensure economic stability and dignity. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei acknowledges UBI’s importance but cautions it won’t be a complete solution. In an essay, he argued that UBI should be part of a broader strategy that includes job retraining, education reform, and stronger social safety nets. Andrew Yang, who made UBI a centerpiece of his 2020 presidential campaign with his "Freedom Dividend" proposal of $1,000 monthly payments, remains a leading advocate. Though his campaign did not succeed, the idea gained momentum during the pandemic due to widespread stimulus checks, and it continues to gain support as AI accelerates. Geoffrey Hinton, often called the "godfather of AI," has warned that AI could lead to massive job losses and economic disruption. He has urged governments to explore UBI as a way to prepare for a future where human labor is no longer the primary driver of economic output. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis sees AI as a transformative force that could boost productivity and wealth, but only if its benefits are shared broadly. He supports policies that ensure equitable access to AI’s gains, including UBI. While critics argue that UBI could reduce work incentives or strain public budgets, many AI leaders believe the risks of inaction are far greater. As AI reshapes the economy, UBI is increasingly viewed not as a radical idea, but as a pragmatic step toward a more just and sustainable future.