Sam Altman-backed Praxis plans $1 billion AI-powered town in Uruguay

Praxis, a technology-driven community backed by Apollo Projects, a fund associated with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has chosen Uruguay for its inaugural physical development. The ambitious project is expected to require a $1 billion investment, with construction set to commence over multiple years. The first residents are anticipated to settle in the vicinity of Colonia del Sacramento by mid-2027, although the overall expansion will continue beyond that point.

The site, known as +Colonia, offers proximity to the Río de la Plata and is situated in close proximity to both Montevideo and Buenos Aires. Eduardo Bastitta, the founder of +Colonia, envisions the partnership as an opportunity to merge technology, entrepreneurship, and novel communal living arrangements. Praxis boasts an online community of over 150,000 members, comprising entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals engaged in technology and artificial intelligence.

Out of these, approximately 2,700 individuals have expressed interest in residing in or investing in the Uruguayan venture.

Instead of constructing a completely novel city from scratch, Praxis will be establishing its community within the already underway development of +Colonia. The project envisions a 350,000 square metre area, approximately 20% of the total +Colonia urbanisation plan, for the initial Praxis neighborhood. The remaining investment is projected to be allocated to residences, facilities, and amenities that Praxis members will acquire or construct.

The land transaction is expected to unfold gradually, contingent on subsequent agreements, purchases, and construction.

The first wave of Praxis residents is slated to arrive in Colonia by mid-2027, but this date does not signify the completion of the broader project. Early inhabitants will occupy structures already being developed in +Colonia, allowing the community to establish a tangible presence before the complete set of planned facilities becomes operational. Praxis co-founder and CEO, Dryden Brown, is also expected to relocate to Uruguay as the project progresses.

The proposed community incorporates a mix of residential living, hospitality, and cultural pursuits. Praxis aims to create private residences, a resort, and spaces for art and music, alongside studios, galleries, and workshops. The vision also encompasses restaurants, nightlife venues, gardens, public squares, a waterfront promenade, and a beach club.

Additionally, photography, film, and music production spaces are planned, along with fellowship programs to attract artists, musicians, designers, writers, and founders to the community.

Concept images released by Praxis depict minimalist structures with expansive glass walls, landscaped areas, and pools overlooking the waterfront. However, these designs remain tentative and do not guarantee their eventual realization in the same form. The physical development is intrinsically linked to Praxis's overarching philosophy concerning the implications of artificial intelligence.

The organization seeks to forge new cultural, economic, and governance systems for what it terms a post-AGI world. While the announced plans do not specify AI-controlled utilities, autonomous transportation, or an AI-run government, the project's "AI-powered" label primarily reflects Praxis's technology-focused vision rather than a definitive blueprint for all infrastructure elements.