Zuzalu is a temporary, pop-up community that convened in Montenegro for two months, from March to May, attracting hundreds of participants from the biotech, cryptocurrency, and scientific research sectors. The initiative, spearheaded by Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum co-founder, aimed to explore biotechnological advancements for extending human life and discuss the possibility of creating a permanent community centered around longevity.

In 2023, Zuzalu emerged as a unique experiment, described as a "pop-up city," where like-minded individuals, including entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers, gathered to discuss and invest in longevity and biotechnological solutions designed to slow human aging. This community aimed not only to exchange ideas but also to contemplate the formation of their own state to further their goals without the constraints of traditional regulatory frameworks ^[1].

The inception of Zuzalu was driven by a collective interest in life extension and the potential of biotechnology to combat aging. The event's location in Montenegro, on the Adriatic coast, provided a serene backdrop for discussions that spanned topics from medical innovation to the creation of a decentralized space with its own currency for autonomous governance and experimentation ^[2].

Zuzalu offered its participants a blend of professional conferences and leisure activities, including ultra-healthy breakfasts, yoga sessions, and sauna visits, fostering a relaxed yet intellectually stimulating environment. Despite its leisurely appearance, the primary focus was on serious discussions about life extension, biotech innovations, and the concept of a "Longevity State," where laws and regulations could be tailored to support their experimental and innovative ambitions ^{[3] [4]}.

Following the disbandment of Zuzalu, the movement has inspired the establishment of grants for "Zu-villages," aimed at promoting the growth of pop-up city movements and supporting technology-driven projects related to longevity and biotechnological research ^[5].

One of the key discussions at Zuzalu revolved around the idea of a "network state," a concept where highly aligned online communities crowdfund their own territory and gain diplomatic recognition. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the community's goal to experiment freely with longevity technologies, potentially setting a precedent for future endeavors in creating decentralized, autonomous communities ^[6].