In 2008, non-profit think tank The Seasteading Institute received financial backing from venture capitalist Peter Thiel to build a manmade island nation in ocean waters that would allow inventors to work free of government interference. Due to excessive cost and obstacles involved with open ocean engineering, the concept has yet to be realized. Earlier this year Thiel said, “I’m not exactly sure that I’m going to succeed in building a libertarian utopia any time soon.” However, the project is not dead and the group is now looking “for cost-reducing solutions within the territorial waters of a host nation.” Wired takes a compelling look at Silicon Valley’s quest for a protected space for innovation.