The EcOasis Project had its roots in the fall of 2001 by an individual who began working with colleagues and friends in the academic, private and government communities within the USA, Russia, Canada and Costa Rica. Those roots included programs within Central America linked with The Lincos Project, Digital Nations, Avina Foundation, Intel Corporation's Community Computer Clubs, and FUNDES. It has had support from private/public groups operating educational and community development projects in Europe and Asia including IFC, Eurasia Foundation, USAID, National Science Foundation, and Open Society.

Initially this 2001-2004 work led to such mini-programs as the INcyclopedia, an internet-based freeform learning environment project started in the Russian Federation, and Futures Gateway, an international project linking schoolchildren and youth from different schools worldwide in a gaming-based learning experiment focused upon the future and how we will respond to changes in the world environment, culture, science, politics and economy.

Through the auspices and contributions of the private company, TETRAD Technologies Group, Inc., a provider and developer of energy, biomedical and security technology products, and the research firm, I4 Laboratory, Inc., it was possible by 2006 to bring together under one formal conceptual framework and architecture all the parts, tools, and people that make up what is now known as the EcOasis or Eco Nest (also called Life Pod). An integrated physical package of machines, tools and knowledge for use in different regions and situations by any village, town or community in any country, each EcOasis is designed to help people to self-adapt to the drastic impacts of economic disparity and environmental change and to improve the fundamentals of Life beginning with the real basics - Water, Energy, Health, Communication, and Work.

Currently (2007) a private non-profit organization, the Institute for Sustainable Economy and Community, has been established in order to facilitate and manage the installation of EcOasis systems worldwide, in conjunction with partners that receive and maintain the units. The name reflects the philosophical and practical foundations of linking realistic Sustainability with sensible planning and practical implementation in both Economic and Social (Community) domains.