OpenAI is evolving its previous GPT‑5.5 Bio Bug Bounty into a continuous private initiative called the OpenAI Bio Bounty Program. The program will remain targeted at finding universal jailbreaks that can defeat OpenAI’s predefined biosafety challenge for frontier models, beginning with GPT‑5.6 and continuing for future models.
Rewards and timeline
OpenAI announced an increase in top prizes: the reward for a universal jailbreak has been raised from $25,000 to $50,000 for both GPT‑5.6 and GPT‑5.5. Smaller awards may be granted at OpenAI’s discretion for partial successes.
The original scope for the GPT‑5.5 Bio Bounty Program will be honored, with testing against GPT‑5.5 continuing until July 27, 2026. After that date, only GPT‑5.6 will remain in scope. OpenAI said it will keep researchers informed of any future scope changes.
Application process and requirements
Interested researchers should apply through a rolling application process. Once selected, accepted applicants will be onboarded to the bio bug bounty platform. Applicants who previously applied to the GPT‑5.5 Bio Bounty Program do not need to reapply.
Accepted participants must have existing ChatGPT accounts to apply, and they will be required to sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) as a condition of participation.
Related programs
OpenAI also points researchers and supporters to its other vulnerability‑reporting initiatives, including the Safety Bug Bounty and the Security Bug Bounty programs.
Why this matters
The move aims to provide continuous, proactive testing of biosafety defenses as AI models advance. Identifying universal jailbreaks helps surface systemic weaknesses so OpenAI can address them before broader deployment of frontier models.
Summary
The OpenAI Bio Bounty Program will focus on universal jailbreaks against predefined biosafety challenges for frontier models, has doubled its top payout to $50,000, keeps GPT‑5.5 testing open until July 27, 2026, and operates via a rolling application process requiring ChatGPT accounts and NDAs.
