Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the zk Cross-Chain ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates.
Featuring: @Agglayer (@0xPolygon), @PolyhedraZK, @union_build, @ZekoLabs, @AcrossProtocol, & @Orbiter_Finance
@Agglayer released v0.3, introducing a major upgrade to its security layer, the pessimistic proof. This update enables any blockchain - regardless of architecture - to join Agglayer securely.
@0xPolygon PoS will connect by Q3’s end, with others to follow. Chains can now prove their own state using ZK execution proofs, enabling faster, safer, and trustless cross-chain transactions under 10 seconds: https://agglayer.dev/blogs/agglayer-v0-3-is-live
The project also introduced Agglayer CDK support for the OP Stack, letting developers launch high-performance blockchains with zero interop fees or design constraints.
Chains use @conduitxyz’s fast G2 sequencer and optional ZKPs for enhanced security. Agglayer connects these chains for unified liquidity, low-cost transactions, and seamless cross-chain UX - without governance restrictions or added costs: https://agglayer.dev/blogs/build-your-way-with-agglayer-cdk-op-stack
Finally, Agglayer introduced EggNS, a cross-chain naming Proof-of-Concept by Polygon DevRel. Unlike typical naming systems stuck on one chain, EggNS syncs usernames across multiple chains using bridge messages and native proofs - register once, and the name is yours everywhere: https://x.com/Agglayer/status/1938617313613242374
@PolyhedraZK has introduced Expander-GPU - a new CUDA-powered backend designed to accelerate ZKP generation by 7-10 times compared to traditional CPU-based methods: https://blog.polyhedra.network/expander-gpu-blasting-past-cpu-limits-with-a-10x-speed-force/
By leveraging thousands of NVIDIA GPU cores and achieving an impressive 16,384:1 proof compression ratio, the system delivers exceptional performance.
It’s optimized for the BN254 curve - widely used in @ethereum - as well as other cryptographic fields.
This advancement enables developers to build faster, more complex, and cost-efficient ZK applications, while significantly improving scalability and lowering fees for Web3 and L2 rollups.
@union_build has released App v3 with key updates including @BNBCHAIN and @osmosiszone testnets, new achievements, and a real-time ORBITAL visualizer for tracking transfers: https://x.com/union_build/status/1940520507650261301
The update also brings design improvements and quality-of-life changes. Mainnet timelines remain unaffected. Users from earlier versions retain progress advantages, while others get new chances to earn. More updates are expected as mainnet approaches.
The project also launched Crosschain Governance with its mainnet, enabling users to participate in governance from other chains - starting with @ethereum - without needing to bridge assets.
Built on @cosmos and powered by advanced interoperability, Union allows seamless staking and governance interactions across ecosystems. This approach lowers barriers for participation, improves accessibility, integrates easily with existing wallets, and sets the stage for other blockchains to adopt similar crosschain governance capabilities: https://union.build/blog/crosschain-governance-by-union
@Orbiter_Finance announced several new integrations aimed at improving cross-chain functionality and user accessibility:
@KyberNetwork: Enabled fast and secure cross-chain swaps via Orbiter Finance, allowing users to bridge assets across networks like @ethereum, @arbitrum, @base, and @SonicLabs. The integration features average transaction times of 10 seconds, backed by Orbiter’s ZKP arbitration and multi-layer smart contract architecture: https://x.com/KyberNetwork/status/1936046380000129088
@orcamindai: Integrated Orbiter’s bridging capabilities directly into its AI chatbot interface, enabling users to move assets between chains simply through text commands: https://x.com/orcamindai/status/1939958360356344234
@katana: Added support for bridging to Katana, a DeFi chain focused on real yield and reviving illiquid assets, expanding Orbiter’s reach into emerging liquidity ecosystems: https://x.com/Orbiter_Finance/status/1940886257837748651
@ZekoLabs and @ZkNoid have announced a partnership to launch Obirium, a cross-chain game integrating @SuiNetwork for gameplay and @ZekoProtocol for ZK settlement: https://x.com/ZekoLabs/status/1939838018787152311
Identical smart contracts on both chains ensure consistent game state, while recursive proofs aggregate Sui transactions to update Zeko. This allows future interaction with other chains like @ethereum and @solana.
@AcrossProtocol V4 is now live, enabling faster crosschain bridging through a universal, scalable architecture powered by intents and ZKPs: https://across.to/blog/across-v4
Unlike previous versions, V4 removes the need for custom deployments or audits for each new chain. Developers integrate once and gain access to multiple chains, while relayers operate with more flexibility.
The system uses ZKPs via @SuccinctLabs’s zkVM to verify @ethereum state across chains, enhancing speed, security, and accessibility for users, builders, and relayers across the ecosystem.
House of ZK recently covered this development in full with a special broadcast on X - The Across & Succinct Special - featuring @mrice32 and @pumatheuma.
Available here: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1yoJMoARqNlKQ
