Indian-Origin Engineer Leaves $300K Meta Role to Build AI Startup

Jain, who previously worked on Meta's AI infrastructure, said the decision to leave was driven by a desire to build something from the ground up. He and Morris, a former colleague, started Mitosis Labs in early 2025 with a focus on specialized AI models that can understand and respond to human gestures and voice in real time.

The startup is developing what Jain calls 'adaptive interaction engines,' which combine computer vision and natural language processing to let users control digital interfaces with natural movements and speech. Unlike general-purpose AI assistants, these systems are designed for specific tasks like navigating complex software or operating machinery.

Mitosis Labs has already attracted seed funding from a group of angel investors, though Jain declined to disclose the amount. The team plans to release a developer toolkit later this year, allowing other companies to integrate the technology into their own products.

Jain acknowledged the risk of leaving a stable, high-paying job, but said the potential impact of the technology outweighs the uncertainty. 'We're not just building another chatbot,' he said. 'We're creating a new way for people to interact with machines.'

The company is currently hiring engineers and researchers, with offices in San Francisco and Bengaluru. Jain said the dual locations will help tap into talent pools on both sides of the world, reflecting his own Indian-American background.