The American Startup's plans for a 40 sq.km. Tech "City" in Athens
The American Startup's plans for a 40 sq.km. Tech "City" in Athens

The American Startup's plans for a 40 sq.km. Tech "City" in Athens

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RE+D magazine
11.04.2025

The American startup Praxis, backed by investors from Silicon Valley, is considering Athens as a potential location for the development of its first city, where residents will focus on advancing innovative technologies in the fields of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy, cryptocurrencies, and advanced manufacturing.

The proposed city is expected to require a minimum land area of 40.5 square kilometers.

Dryden Brown, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Praxis, is set to visit several cities across the globe—including Athens—by the end of 2025, with the objective of selecting an optimal location. The vision entails the development of a city governed by artificial intelligence, featuring employer-friendly legislation and a more flexible regulatory framework designed to foster innovation.

Praxis, which defines itself as a "sovereign network," aspires to establish a virtual commune centered around a shared cultural identity. The initiative targets technology leaders and scientists seeking a more permissive environment conducive to technological advancement. The city will be developed with the support of AI technologies and is expected to become a hub for research and innovation in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital assets.

The organization has already secured approximately $500 million in funding from prominent investors, including Sam Altman and Peter Thiel. According to available data, more than 87,000 individuals have expressed interest in becoming citizens of this future city.

Importantly, Praxis does not aim to create an isolated enclave. Instead, it intends to maintain active engagement and cooperation with surrounding local communities. However, acceptance by host countries remains uncertain. For instance, during a visit to Greenland in 2024, Mr. Brown reportedly encountered opposition from local officials.

Once a location is formally announced and endorsement from the host country is secured, Praxis plans to dispatch a small group of early settlers to occupy between 250 and 1,000 prefabricated housing units as the initial phase of development.