AI‑Powered City in Uruguay: Praxis Plans Utopian Metropolis
Tech entrepreneur Dryden Brown and investors plan to construct an AI‑driven city in Uruguay, drawing inspiration from ancient Greece and Rome. The project, backed by a $1 billion investment, targets mid‑2027 for its first residents and seeks to explore new cultural and economic models shaped by art…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a bold move that blends Silicon Valley ambition with South American opportunity, a 30‑year‑old tech entrepreneur, Dryden Brown, has announced plans to build a fully AI‑powered city from scratch in Uruguay. The venture, called Praxis, is backed by a consortium of high‑profile investors, including a fund linked to billionaire Peter Thiel, and is slated to bring its first residents to the new metropolis by the middle of 2027.
Why Uruguay?
Uruguay was chosen for its combination of natural beauty, political stability, and a business‑friendly regulatory environment. Brown has repeatedly cited the country’s “natural beauty, political and economic stability” as key factors that make it an ideal setting for a radical experiment in urban design and governance. The country’s open‑handed approach to foreign investment and its reputation for low corruption levels also make it an attractive base for a project that will require significant regulatory cooperation.
Designing a Future‑Proof City
Praxis envisions a city that marries gothic architectural motifs with space‑age futurism. Brown has described the aesthetic as a “fusion of gothic elements and space‑age futurism,” aiming to create a skyline that feels both timeless and forward‑looking. The design philosophy extends beyond aesthetics: the city will be built around the principles of artificial general intelligence (AGI), with infrastructure, governance, and cultural institutions all designed to adapt to the rapid changes that AGI is expected to bring.
The project will begin within +Colonia, a development near Colonia del Sacramento that is already under the guidance of Eduardo Bastitta, an adviser to Argentine President Javier Milei. The first phase will focus on establishing the necessary digital and physical foundations—data centers, smart grids, and modular housing—before expanding into larger civic and cultural spaces.
Funding and Investment
Praxis plans to mobilize $1 billion in investment over the next three years. The funding strategy includes selling high‑value homes, with proceeds earmarked for cultural and artistic initiatives. Brown has stated that the sale of “exceptional homes” will help finance the city’s cultural infrastructure, ensuring that residents can afford to live in a place that is both technologically advanced and culturally rich.
While the exact breakdown of the investment remains confidential, the company has indicated that a significant portion will be directed toward AI research and development, infrastructure, and community building. The project also aims to attract talent from around the world, positioning the city as a hub for AI innovation and a living laboratory for new economic models.
Governance and Legal Framework
Although Brown has expressed a long‑term vision of a self‑governing city-state, he has clarified that self‑governance is not an immediate requirement. For now, Praxis will operate under Uruguay’s legal system, with plans to explore more autonomous governance structures as the city grows. This pragmatic approach allows the project to proceed without waiting for complex legal reforms while still keeping the door open for future independence.
Next Steps and Timeline
Praxis is scheduled to begin purchasing land within +Colonia’s boundaries by the end of next year. Brown plans to travel to Uruguay in December to meet with President Yamandu Orsi, who is currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. These meetings are expected to secure the necessary permits and foster bilateral cooperation.
Once land acquisition is complete, the project will enter the construction phase, with the first wave of residents expected to move in mid‑2027. The city’s development will be phased, with initial infrastructure and housing completed before expanding into commercial and cultural districts.
While many details remain under wraps, the vision is clear: a city that serves as a living laboratory for AI, a new cultural hub inspired by ancient civilizations, and a model for future urban development. Whether Praxis can turn this ambitious blueprint into reality remains to be seen, but the project has already captured the imagination of investors, tech leaders, and futurists worldwide.
Key facts
- Praxis aims to launch an AI‑powered city in Uruguay by mid‑2027
- The design blends gothic and futuristic architecture, inspired by ancient Greece and Rome
- $1 billion investment will fund construction, AI research, and cultural projects
- Initial operations will follow Uruguay’s legal framework, with future self‑governance planned
- Land acquisition and construction phases are scheduled to begin by the end of next year
Why it matters
Praxis’s plan to merge AI with urban design could pioneer new ways to build resilient, culturally vibrant cities, offering a blueprint for future tech‑driven developments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main goal of Praxis?
To create an AI‑powered city that explores new cultural, economic, and governance models inspired by ancient civilizations.
When will the first residents move in?
Mid‑2027, following the completion of the first construction phase.
Who are the key investors?
A consortium that includes a fund linked to Peter Thiel and other unnamed tech investors.
Will the city be self‑governing?
Not immediately; it will operate under Uruguay’s legal system for now, with future plans for self‑governance.
How will the city be funded?
Through a combination of $1 billion in investment and the sale of high‑value homes.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “30-year-old Praxis CEO planning AI-powered utopia in Uruguay — with first residents expected next year”
