Pioneered in 2023 at Zuzalu in Montenegro, the startup city is an experimental structure blending concepts from conferences, hackathons, universities, and digital nomad hubs. In this deep dive, we catch up with ETHChicago’s Erin Magennis shortly after her trip to Vitalia to talk startup cities, DeSci, and ETHDenver.
Vitalia: A New Economic Model
Startup cities are more than tax havens, they're about local growth and innovation. Vitalia's goal: Make death optional by building a healthy, eco-friendly community.
Longevity Research and Innovation
Vitalia stands at the forefront of pioneering longevity research, with a dual focus that promises not just to extend human lifespan but also to significantly enhance the quality of life. This initiative taps into cutting-edge biotechnological advancements, aiming to unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier life.
Extending Life and Improving Life Quality
Vitalia's approach to longevity research is holistic, considering not only the extension of life but ensuring these added years are lived in health and happiness. By integrating the latest scientific findings with practical lifestyle adjustments, Vitalia paves the way for a future where every individual has the opportunity to lead a fuller, more vibrant life.
Highlight Projects
BiohackerDAO: This community-driven project serves as a platform for enthusiasts and experts alike to collaborate on biohacking techniques and practices, exploring new ways to enhance physical and mental well-being.
MuseMatrix DeSci Fellowship program: A community collaboration experiment introducing developers (AI, zk, blockchain) and scientists to opportunities in DeSci. In this 6 month part-time program fellows will be upskilled and produce impactful projects for the ecosystem.
Ethical Research in New Territories
The pursuit of scientific innovation within Vitalia is grounded in strong ethical principles and scientific rigor. Recognizing the novel nature of their research environment, Vitalia adheres to stringent ethical guidelines to ensure that all scientific exploration is conducted responsibly.
GARM Clinic's Review Board in Prospera: The review board at the GARM clinic, located within Prospera, rigorously evaluates all clinical trials and research projects. Ecosystems like Vitalia are able to leverage GARM's expertise to ensure they meet international ethical and scientific standards, thereby safeguarding participant well-being and integrity of the research.
The Future of Startup Cities
Vitalia is just one of many startup city experiments happening around the world.
Follow @0xethchicago, @vavesalon and @erinmagennis for more updates!
