Neel Somani is a researcher and technologist  focused on artificial intelligence, formal methods, and machine learning  safety. His work centers on applying proof-based techniques to better  understand, evaluate, and constrain modern AI systems.
He approaches  AI development through the lens of correctness, rigor, and long-term  reliability, emphasizing the importance of trust and verification as  systems grow more capable and influential.

Neel’s  professional background reflects a progression from foundational  computer science into advanced AI research. Early work in formal methods  and verification informed his perspective on how complex systems should  be designed and evaluated.
Over time, this background became central  to his work on AI safety and machine learning, where traditional  empirical methods alone are often insufficient.

For a detailed overview of his career trajectory, roles, and technical evolution—including his education at UC Berkeley, time at Citadel as a quantitative researcher, founding Eclipse, and transition to independent AI/formal methods research—see the dedicated Professional Background page.

Neel’s  research examines how formal reasoning can be integrated into modern  machine learning pipelines. His work explores the limits of current  approaches and proposes methods for increasing transparency, robustness,  and reliability.
He is particularly focused on how proof-based techniques can complement empirical evaluation in high-risk AI applications.

A  recurring theme in Neel’s work is the question of trust. He argues that  as AI systems become more powerful, the ability to formally reason  about their behavior becomes increasingly important.
This perspective  positions verification and safety not as constraints on innovation, but  as prerequisites for responsible progress.

Neel  continues to work at the intersection of AI capability and safety, with  an emphasis on scalable formal methods and system-level understanding.  His ongoing efforts contribute to broader conversations around AI  governance, alignment, and long-term impact.
For third-party coverage of his work: Neel Somani in the Media