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ZKValidator: Unveiling the Latest in Ethereum Scaling Protocols
In their recent "State of ZK Q2" paper, ZKValidator, a top-tier player in node infrastructure operation, shines a spotlight on exciting advances in zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups) in Ethereum scaling protocols. This report offers an intriguing slice of the broader ZK-rollup landscape, making special mention of the wave of ZK-powered layer 2 solutions and how they stand out within their respective markets.
Unravelling the Mystery of ZK-proofs
Essentially, ZK-proofs leverage cryptography enabling one entity to verify the veracity of specific information to another while ensuring the data remains undisclosed. They are key instruments in curating a level of trust and preserving privacy online. Furthermore, their importance in the upscaling of layer-1 blockchain protocols is uncontestable.
Why You Should Watch Out For ZK for Scaling
In a poll conducted via the Zero Knowledge Podcast targeting its 18,000 listeners, the spotlight was on identifying the most critical applications of ZK-proofs. Interestingly, 'ZK for Scaling' cornered 42% of the votes, painting it as the area poised for the most significant growth over the next year. 'ZK for privacy and identity' trailed behind at 23.8% and 22.2%, respectively, while zero-knowledge machine learning bagged the fewest votes.
On the Horizon: Major Launches in ZK Application
The results mirror the practical implications of ZK-proofs, given the flurry of significant launches by Ethereum scaling protocols in the first half of 2023. Among these is the eagerly anticipated Polygon 2.0 multi-chain platform which plans to harness ZK-proofs to migrate assets across networks, as well as the zkSync Era's ZK Stack geared towards facilitating the development of ZK-rollups and proprietary layer-3 'hyperchains.'
Notably, ConsenSys has started welcoming partner entities onto its Linea network, which serves as an important layer 2 platform where developers can create or migrate decentralized applications for Ethereum.
Investment Opportunities Springing Up in the ZK Sector
The ZK sector is attracting substantial investment across an array of segments. These include new zk-based layer 2's, zkEthereums Virtual Machines (zkEVMs) and ZK-proofs for off-chain computation. History-making Ethereum scaling firm StarkWare, in association with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, invested in Kakarot, a zkEVM running on StarkWare's technology, aimed at the creation of layer-3 applications.
The report also brings attention to Worldcoin's recent collection of $115 million to further the growth of its zk-powered digital identity application and related ecosystem. The Anoma Foundation, a Swiss non-profit, made the highlight reel after netting $25 million to fuel the construction of its third-generation blockchain architecture for decentralized applications.
