Aligning an interoperable multi-chain future with ZK
The future of crypto is increasingly multi-chain. Blockchains are a powerful new platform for developers to build decentralized and trustless applications, but their properties place limits on scalability. To address this, we have seen an explosion in the number of blockchains, which has increased the global supply of blockspace and compute capacity (i.e., more transactions per second). More chains has also meant increased industry-wide fragmentation, both in terms of liquidity and where applications are deployed.
Interoperability refers to the ability for different blockchains to communicate with each other, to share data, and for applications to work together across different chains—in essence, a solution for fragmentation in a multi-chain world. Interoperability relies on the basic idea that chains need to be able to share truth about their state with each other.
Zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs are a powerful tool for enabling cross-chain interoperability, and have already gained adoption by enabling the proliferation of ZK-rollups. Like in other implementations of ZK, the “proof supply chain” begins with proof generation (or “proving”) and ends with proof verification. On-chain verification (or “settlement”) of ZK proofs on Ethereum poses a significant bottleneck due to the limitations of the EVM, but is important for Ethereum to act as a settlement layer for L2s and cross-chain applications.
Aligned is a ZK verification layer for Ethereum that makes ZK proof verification fast and cheap. We believe that Ethereum is the most significant source of trust and liquidity within crypto, and we are excited to partner with top protocols that are solving the interoperability problem by verifying their ZK proofs in a way that minimizes costs for users without compromising on security.
Union is a hyper-efficient modular interoperability layer for general message passing, asset transfers, NFTs, and DeFi. Their bridging solution uses BLS signatures which can be efficiently verified using Aligned’s aggregation mode, meanwhile proofs generated by their ZK consensus proving system can be quickly verified using Aligned’s fast mode at a very low cost.
NodeKit is a composability layer that unlocks synchronous communication between blockchains. Users can synchronously send messages and move funds across rollups that use the NodeKit shared sequencer within a single 2-second block. Aligned is ensuring that ZK-rollups on NodeKit are able to verify their proofs quickly and economically, thus enabling more ZK-rollups to launch on NodeKit and helping their interoperable ecosystem to scale.
Orbiter Finance is best known for offering one of the best L2 bridges in DeFi. They are now launching Vizing, ZK-tech-based instant omni rollup on Ethereum, to deliver secure, efficient, and decentralized data communication services. Aligned is ensuring that Vizing’s ZK proofs are verified on Ethereum to offer its users the fastest finality at the most competitive prices.
Fast transaction finality and low costs are essential for providing the cross-chain UX needed for mass adoption of crypto. Aligned is partnering with these interoperability-focused projects to make this a reality by eliminating the ZK proof verification bottleneck.
In a world where truth is becoming an increasingly scarce resource, we believe that ZK is our best bet to build software that helps humanity flourish. We’re eager to partner with more protocols that share this vision.
Reach out to us if you want to explore how we can build a more secure and provable internet together.
NodeKit and Union will be joining us live!
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