What is super intelligence (SI)?
Super intelligence (SI) is the name US federal agencies use for artificial intelligence since an executive order signed on September 29, 2026.
The order, "Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence," tells departments and agencies to use "Super Intelligence" and "SI" in place of "artificial intelligence" in official documents and communications. It defines SI using the existing legal definition of AI in federal law (15 U.S.C. 9401), so the technology is the same: ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok, Perplexity and Google's AI Overviews.
What are the two meanings of "super intelligence"?
In research, "superintelligence" means a hypothetical system far smarter than people. In US government use since September 2026, "Super Intelligence" (SI) simply means today's AI.
That's why the switch confuses people. When a researcher warns about superintelligence, they mean something that doesn't exist yet. When a federal agency says SI, it means the AI tools already on your phone. Within 60 days of the order, the President's science and technology adviser must propose legislative language for a formal definition, so the meaning could still change.
What's the difference between SI and AI?
| AI | SI | |
|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Artificial intelligence | Super intelligence |
| Who uses it | Most people, most companies, California's state agencies | US federal agencies, Nvidia's CEO, Elon Musk's SpaceX |
| What it describes | ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and similar tools | The same tools, by federal definition |
| Since | The 1950s | September 29, 2026 |
Who says SI, and who doesn't?
The federal government, Nvidia and Elon Musk are using SI. Most AI labs haven't renamed their products, and California told its agencies to keep saying AI.
- Using it: federal agencies (required by the order); Nvidia's Jensen Huang, who calls data centers "super intelligence factories"; Elon Musk, who said SpaceXAI will become SpaceXSI; and Meta, whose Meta Superintelligence Labs predates the order.
- Not yet: the leading labs, including OpenAI, Google and Anthropic, haven't relabeled their models as SI, according to the San Francisco Standard. Some company representatives told Axios they'd use SI with the federal government.
- Saying no: California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order telling state agencies to keep using "artificial intelligence."
Will SI replace AI?
It's too early to tell. Most people still prefer "AI," but government and some of the biggest names in tech are now pushing "SI."
In a YouGov poll reported by Axios, 53% said "artificial intelligence" is the better term and 9% chose "super intelligence." Google searches for "superintelligence" spiked after the announcement but haven't caught up with "artificial intelligence." New terms usually spread through official documents, press coverage and product names, so the next few months will tell. We're tracking it and will update this page.
What does SI mean for your business?
Nothing changes in how customers find you today: they still ask ChatGPT, Gemini and Google's AI who to hire. What's new is an opening to be found under "SI" before anyone else is.
- Keep "AI" on your main pages. That's still what most people type.
- Add "SI" where it fits, for example "AI, now also called SI (super intelligence)," so you're found if the term spreads.
- Get recommended by both. The assistants are the same, so the work is the same. That's super intelligence (SI) optimization, also known as answer engine optimization.
Frequently asked questions
What does SI stand for?
SI stands for Super Intelligence. Since a September 29, 2026 executive order, it is the term US federal agencies use in place of artificial intelligence (AI).
Is SI different from AI?
Not in the executive order. It defines Super Intelligence using the existing federal legal definition of artificial intelligence, so SI and AI describe the same technology, including tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude.
Is super intelligence smarter than humans?
In research, "superintelligence" means a hypothetical system far smarter than people, which does not exist yet. The new federal "SI" label is different: it is simply a new name for today's AI.
Do businesses have to start saying SI?
No. The order covers federal agencies, not private companies. Some companies have adopted the term, while California told its own agencies to keep using "AI."
Should my business use "SI" on its website?
Use both. Most customers still search "AI," so keep it on your main pages, and add "SI" where it fits so you are found if the new term spreads. That is how we handle it for our clients and ourselves.
Sources: Executive Order "Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence," September 29, 2026 · Axios, October 1, 2026 · The San Francisco Standard, October 1, 2026 · Forbes, October 4, 2026 · More background: what the order changes for businesses