Ethereum scaling remains the primary use case behind zero-knowledge proofs, according to a report from ZKValidator.
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Ethereum scaling protocols dominate the use of zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups), with major launches, new research and healthy competition key points in a sector report published by ZKValidator.
The node infrastructure operator’s “State of ZK Q2” report reflects on significant events across the ZK ecosystem, with notable launches of ZK-powered layer 2’s highlighting the use of the technology for scaling in comparison with other market segments.
ZK-proofs use cryptography to allow one party to prove to another party that certain information is correct without revealing any data. They present a solution to trust and privacy in digital environments, and have been pivotal in scaling layer-1 blockchain protocols.
A poll put to the 18,000 followers of the Zero Knowledge Podcast provided a sample for a community gauge on the most important applications of ZK-proofs. Of the respondents, 42% selected “ZK for Scaling” as the segment that would experience the highest growth in the coming 12 months.
ZK for privacy and identity followed at 23.8% and 22.2%, respectively, while zero-knowledge machine learning was the least selected segment.
The poll reflects the real-world applications of ZK-proofs, with several major Ethereum scaling protocols hitting mainnet in the first half of 2023.
This includes Polygon’s announcement of its forthcoming “2.0” multichain system, which will use ZK-proofs to transfer assets between networks and zkSync Era’s ZK Stack, which will allow developers to build ZK-rollups and proprietary layer-3 “hyperchains.“
ConsenSys also began onboarding partners to its mainnet Linea network on July 11. Linea is another prominent layer 2 that allows developers to build or migrate decentralized applications for Ethereum.
Related: Are ZK-proofs the answer to Bitcoin’s Ordinal and BRC-20 problem?
The sector has also attracted investment across several segments, including new zk-based layer 2’s and zkEthereum Virtual Machines (zkEVMs), as well as ZK-proofs for off-chain computation.
Ethereum scaling firm StarkWare, which helped pioneer zk technology, and the Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, invested in Kakarot — a zkEVM running on StarkWare’s technology that aims to build layer-3 applications.
The report also highlights a $115 million raise by Worldcoin to continue the development of its zk-powered digital identity application and ecosystem. Swiss nonprofit Anoma Foundation also features in the report after its latest $25 million raise to continue building its third-generation blockchain architecture for decentralized applications.
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Magazine: Here’s how Ethereum’s ZK-rollups can become interoperable
According to a report from ZKValidator, Ethereum scaling remains the primary use case for zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs). ZK-rollups, which are scaling protocols for Ethereum, dominate the use of ZK-proofs. The report highlights significant events in the ZK ecosystem, including major launches of ZK-powered layer 2 solutions for Ethereum scaling.
Key points from the report include:
– ZK-rollups are the main use case for zero-knowledge proofs, with Ethereum scaling being the primary focus.
– A poll conducted by the Zero Knowledge Podcast showed that 42% of respondents believe ZK-proofs for scaling will experience the highest growth in the next 12 months.
– Major Ethereum scaling protocols, such as Polygon and zkSync Era’s ZK Stack, have launched on mainnet, utilizing ZK-proofs for scaling.
– Investment in the ZK ecosystem has been significant, with funding raised by companies working on zk-based layer 2 solutions, zkEthereum Virtual Machines (zkEVMs), and off-chain computation using ZK-proofs.
– Notable investments include Ethereum scaling firm StarkWare and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin investing in Kakarot, a zkEVM running on StarkWare’s technology, and a $115 million raise by Worldcoin for its zk-powered digital identity application.
– Swiss nonprofit Anoma Foundation also raised $25 million to continue building its third-generation blockchain architecture for decentralized applications.
Overall, the report highlights the growing importance of zero-knowledge proofs in scaling Ethereum and the significant developments and investments in the ZK ecosystem.
