Swiss Alps, Switzerland2024
Zuitzerland
An experimental network-state sandbox hosting pop-up residencies and build sprints.
What is Zuitzerland?
A network state sandbox for pioneers in Web3, AI, biotech, brain-computer interfaces (BCI), and other frontier technologies.
It emphasizes d/acc and Swiss principles of governance and cooperation.
d/acc (defensive accelerationism) is a philosophy, proposed by Vitalik, that says we should accelerate technologies that strengthen defense, decentralization, and democratic control, so power and safety are widely shared instead of centralized.
History
Zuitzerland was founded in 2024 by Isla Munro-Hochmayr, a web3 researcher and economist.
By September 2024, it hosted Zuitzerland v0.1, a small pop-up village in Interlaken designed to prototype d/acc leadership and societal models.
In May 2025, it ran its first full-scale pop-up city, Zuitzerland Residency, which served as an initial prototype for a permanent hub. It grouped 200 researchers, philosophers, and builders in an alpine ski resort.
In 2025, Vitalik donated $500,000 in ETH to support Zuitzerland's development as a Zuzalu hub.
Location
Zuitzerland's pop-up villages and events are centered in the Swiss Alps, Switzerland.
Duration
Zuitzerland v0.1, the very early iteration, ran for 1 to 2 weeks in 2024. The full-scale, inaugural pop-up city lasted 3.5 weeks.
Zuitzerland aims to evolve into a permanent community in Switzerland, allowing for indefinite stays.
Pricing
Pricing details on Zuitzerland's pop-up villages are not publicly disclosed.
Zuitzerland 2025 Summit, the culmination event of the Zuitzerland Residency, cost CHF 359 ($450) for the weekend. No accommodation included.*
*Zuitzerland provided a discount code for attendees.
Reviews
" One thing I really enjoyed was learning about Swiss direct democracy. " Sterlin Lujan, Founder at Polis Labs
Just finished the Zwitzerland popup village experience. The country is beautiful beyond words. It is so gorgeous that I often say that Switzerland is not real. Besides its impressive natural loveliness, one thing I really enjoyed was learning about Swiss direct democracy.
" Zuitzerland will become the great catalyst to bring more Web3 tech talents to Switzerland. " Masa Nakatsu, Co-Founder and Ex-CEO at Orb
There are many other things as well including eliminating high living cost issues in Switzerland for young tech entrepreneurs in Zuzalu Community who can bring innovations to Swiss society. The community of Zuitzerland will become the great catalyst to bring more Web3 tech talents to Switzerland.
How can you get involved?
- Follow Zuitzerland for updates.
- Subscribe to its newsletter.
- Apply for residency in upcoming pop-ups or the permanent village.
FAQs
What is the goal of Zuitzerland?
To become a permanent Swiss node in the Zuzalu network.
Who is Zuitzerland for?
Pioneers, builders, researchers, and enthusiasts in frontier technologies like Web3, AI, biotech, and BCI who are interested in network states and Zuzalu-inspired communities.
Is Zuitzerland a pop-up or permanent?
It started as a 3.5-week pop-up village in the Swiss Alps and aims to become a permanent node in the Zuzalu network.
What events does Zuitzerland host?
Pop-up villages, presentations on digital art on Ethereum, discussions on venture capital, transitions from pop-up cities to permanent hubs, etc.
What was the duration of the Zuitzerland 2025 Residency?
It ran from May 1 to May 25, 2025, structured into themed weeks like hub design, cypherpunk/solarpunk, and a build hackathon.
Why Switzerland for Zuitzerland?
It's a stable environment with a history of innovation, neutrality, and strong support for technology and research.