- Wednesday, July 02, 2025
Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School aims to create a real-world prototype for his vision of decentralized, digital-first societies called ‘Network States’.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Indian-American entrepreneur and investor Balaji Srinivasan has taken a bold step towards realizing his vision of a “network state”—a decentralized, digital-first nation for founders, technologists, and innovators. Srinivasan, renowned as the co-founder of Counsyl Inc. and former CTO of Coinbase, has obtained a private island near Singapore. His goal: to build a new country that begins as an online community and evolves into a real-world society governed by shared values and technological innovation.
The Network School: A Prototype for a New Nation
Central to Srinivasan’s ambitious plan is The Network School, a three-month, in-person educational retreat launched in September 2024. The school serves as a living experiment and prototype for his broader idea of network states. Here, select participants—described as “startup founders and gymrats”—immerse themselves in an environment designed to foster personal, physical, and professional growth.
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Nick Peterson, an Instagram user and resident of The Network School, recently gave viewers a virtual tour of the island, describing it as “an oasis for gym rats and startup founders.” Peterson explained, “I’ve been living in this real-life experiment called the Network School, run by Balaji Srinivasan, where we are kind of testing what creating a new nation would feel like.”
The Concept of a Network State
Srinivasan’s vision, detailed in his book “The Network State,” revolves around the creation of decentralized, digitally native societies. These communities start online, uniting people with common values—such as a passion for technology, crypto, innovation, and personal development. Over time, the network state aspires to acquire physical territory and ultimately seek global recognition as a sovereign entity.
The purpose of such a state, according to Srinivasan, is to “revitalize democracy for the internet era” and to “pursue truth, health, and wealth by leveling up our attendees personally, physically, and professionally.” The citizens of this envisioned nation would be bound by shared goals, including longevity, decentralization, and education.
Life on the Island: Learning, Earning, and Innovation
The Network School is structured around the principles of “learn, burn, earn, and fun.” Each day begins with physical fitness activities in the gym, followed by classes on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and entrepreneurship. The curriculum is designed to encourage both intellectual and physical development, reflecting Srinivasan’s belief in holistic growth.
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Participants also engage in collaborative projects, networking with like-minded peers and mentors. The island setting provides a unique, distraction-free environment for creativity and experimentation. Srinivasan has described the initiative as a place for the “dark talent of the world”—those who may not fit into traditional educational or corporate systems but have the drive and vision to build something new.
The Road Ahead: Building a Decentralized Nation
Srinivasan’s acquisition of the island and the launch of The Network School mark the first tangible steps toward his dream of a network state. By combining digital community-building with real-world territory, he hopes to create a blueprint for future societies that are more agile, innovative, and aligned with the needs of the internet age.
While the project is still in its early stages, it has already captured the imagination of the global tech community. If successful, Srinivasan’s experiment could pave the way for a new model of nationhood—one that transcends borders and empowers individuals to build communities based on shared vision and values.
