From private islands to smart cities with driverless cars, and tech driven forests, the Rochelle Crasto
The rise of private cities is shaping the future of ambitious projects. In an era where vision boards are used as manifestations, billionaires are using the architectural blueprint to make theirs come true. These futuristic settlements are designed with cutting-edge technology and sustainability in mind as they are becoming the experimental hubs for innovation. From Elon Musk’s space-centric Starbase to Bill Gates’ smart city projects and Larry Ellison’s transformation of the Hawaiian island of Lana’i, the trend of billionaire-backed cities is gaining momentum… everything is set in motion.
While these projects aim to create a self-sustaining, technologically advanced society, they also raise important questions about governance, inclusivity, and long-term impact. India somewhere falls into this space, as we too are seeing billionaire-driven projects.
Shoot for the Stars
Elon Musk is the man behind the vision for the Starbase, in Texas. It is more than just a testing site for SpaceX’s Starship program — it’s the first step towards human colonization on Mars. Musk envisions Starbase as a city where engineers, scientists, and space enthusiasts can work and live while preparing for the next phase of human settlement in space.
Musk’s ultimate goal is to build a self-sustaining city on Mars, where humans can survive independently of Earth’s resources. While this might sound like science fiction, rapid advancements in space make this idea increasingly feasible.
Smart City Gates
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has entered this race with his smart city projects. Gates has invested $80 million in the development of Belmont, a smart city in Arizona, designed to incorporate high-speed digital networks, autonomous vehicles, and cutting-edge energy systems. This aims to be a model for futuristic urban living, emphasizing sustainability, efficiency, and digital innovation. Neha Chaturvedi, sustainability expert, adds: “Green energy cities must go beyond corporate branding. True sustainability requires community participation, waste management strategies, and long-term ecological balance.”
Beyond land-based cities, Gates is also interested in ocean-based communities that can mitigate climate change risks. Floating cities, powered by renewable energy and designed to withstand rising sea levels could be the next experiment. These initiatives align with Bill’s broader mission of leveraging technology to tackle global challenges.
Sustainable Paradise
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison took a different approach by buying 98% of the Hawaiian island of Lana’i and transforming it into a hub for sustainable living. His vision includes organic farming, wellness tourism, renewable energy, and setting a testbed for eco-friendly development. The island’s infrastructure has been upgraded to prioritize clean energy, water conservation, and self-sufficiency. “Smart cities have the potential to revolutionize urban living, but they must integrate public needs. Private projects like Belmont should work closely with local governments to ensure accessibility and inclusivity,” states Neha
Ellison’s project reflects a growing trend where billionaires are investing in isolated locations to create sustainable, controlled, and technologically advanced communities. However, such developments also raise questions about land ownership, environmental impacts, and mostly resident displacements.
City Lites
India, a country with a booming economy is now experiencing rapid urbanization, is also witnessing billionaire–led city-building efforts. Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, has significantly contributed to urban transformation through Jamnagar’s petrochemical hub and Reliance’s plans for a green energy city. Ambani envisions a self-sustaining city powered by renewable energy, leveraging India’s vast solar and wind resources.
Similarly, the Adani Group is investing heavily in smart infrastructure projects, including sustainable townships and industrial cities. These developments align with India’s goal of creating 100 smart cities, integrating AI-driven governance, green energy, and efficient transportation systems. Pranav Verma, a sweet shop owner in Jamnagar, states, “These projects create jobs, but they also make daily life more expensive. We need cities where regular people can thrive, not just high-tech hubs for the elite.”
Pros & Cons
While these billionaires are promising innovation, sustainability and new opportunities there are several concerns that are yet to be addressed.
These projects come with significant challenges, Governing concerns arise due to the private land ownership of these cities — who enforces the law? Which rule is to be followed? Who ensures accountability? Another issue is exclusivity, many developments cater primarily to wealthy people. Social inequality and accessibility are the main concerns that raise questions in terms of safety and rules. Despite having environmentally friendly, large-scale construction and land acquisitions they can have negative ecological consequences which raises questions about true sustainability.
Arunava Dasgupta, an Urban Expert Planner explains “Billionaire-driven urban projects in India must ensure inclusivity. While smart cities offer promising advancements, the government and private sector must collaborate to prevent socio-economic disparities.”
On the positive side, these cities birth laboratories for futuristic advancements. Incorporating AI-driven urban management and space-efficient resource use makes them models for sustainable living which additionally stimulates job growth, attracts investment, and fosters innovation, potentially benefiting the broader economy.
Privé Cities
As technology advances, billionaires are redefining urban living. Whether on Mars or Earth, Space or Ocean, these projects challenge traditional ideas of city planning and governance. While they present exciting possibilities and open doors to a better future, it remains imperative to see if these cities will serve all of humanity or just a privileged few. With India also finding its footing in this race of rising cities, the conversation about who controls our urban future is more relevant than ever. Will it be the government or the cities backed by billionaires? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between innovation and accessibility– urban spaces are designed for the many, not just the few.
