Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the zkBitcoin ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates.
Featuring: @Starknet, @StarkWareLtd, @GOATRollup, @citrea_xyz, @build_on_bob, @babylonlabs_io, @AlpenLabs, @fiamma_labs, @FairGateLabs, @layeredge, @BTC_OS, @fractal_bitcoin, @TheTNetwork, & @BitlayerLabs
@StarkWareLtd and @Blockstream are collaborating to combine Simplicity - a new scripting language for @Bitcoin - with STARKs, a cryptographic proof system: https://starkware.co/blog/building-starks-in-simplicity/
The goal is to enable scalable, verifiable off-chain computation on Bitcoin and Liquid. Simplicity’s minimal design supports formal verification, while STARKs offer fast, trustless proofs. Early experiments show potential for rollups, privacy-preserving transactions, and post-quantum security.
In @Starknet news: the project has ratified SNIP-31, confirming that @Bitcoin staking will soon be available on the network. BTC will hold up to 25% of consensus power, with STRK maintaining the rest. Approved staking assets include WBTC, LBTC, tBTC, and SolvBTC. New governance rules for adding BTC wrappers are also now established: https://x.com/Starknet/status/1958478350193676731
BitVM Alliance
@GOATRollup has joined the BitVM Alliance, a group led by BitVM’s creator @robin_linus and consisting of core BitVM contributors: https://x.com/GOATRollup/status/1957438596308427258
GOAT Network contributes its BitVM2 variant with a decentralized sequencer and Universal Operator. Following recent testnets, the project is now researching BitVM3 and Garbled Circuits to to further improve efficiency. The Alliance aims to unify standards, boost security, and accelerate practical BitVM deployment.
Pilot Fund
GOAT Network has announced its 34 BTC Pilot Fund, supporting its Bitcoin-native ecosystem: https://goat.network/blog/goat-network-purchased-34-btc-as-pilot-fund-to-support-liquidity-incentives-and-community-growth
The reserve will be used for liquidity, community rewards, and developer incentives, with more than 2 BTC already distributed.
The goal is to aid sustainable growth ahead of a larger development fund launching in late 2025.
Partnerships
GOAT Network announced several new partnerships including:
@XerpaAI: Teamed up to combine Bitcoin-native zkRollup infrastructure with AI-powered user acquisition and distribution tools, enhancing ecosystem growth through intelligent marketing automation: https://x.com/GOATRollup/status/1952262983977234669
@ScoreMilk: Integrated ScoreMilk’s browser-based on-chain games into GOAT Network, enabling users to play and compete using BTC: https://x.com/GOATRollup/status/1953078673063723077
@PulseSocialFi: Partnered to scale Bitcoin through secure zkRollup infrastructure while delivering sustainable BTC yield and enabling scalable, high-performance SocialFi experiences: https://x.com/PulseSocialFi/status/1955822951816982765
Events
At a recently cohosted event in San Francisco, core members of @ProjectZKM and GOAT Network shared updates on Ziren’s integration progress, technical milestones, and the broader vision for Bitcoin-based infrastructure development: https://x.com/ProjectZKM/status/1958817901122605119
The workshop reportedly sparked strong engagement and provided a clearer view of Ziren’s evolving role within the GOAT ecosystem:
Alice Liu, Education Lead at ZKM, presented new advancements including Golang support, WASM-based verification, and a live demo of proof generation.
@DacEconomy, Chief Scientist at ZKM, explained how Ziren is positioned as foundational infrastructure for scalable deployment within GOAT Network.
@sophianeverfold, COO and GOAT Network core contributor, outlined the Bitcoin-native rollup model combining decentralized sequencers, Ziren, and BitVM2 - along with GOATs core use cases.
Testnet
@citrea_xyz is conducting Phase 2 of its “Unfreeze ₿apps” testnet campaign, designed to expand the ecosystem and prepare for mainnet: https://x.com/citrea_xyz/status/1958572197347270902
The campaign features applications such as @signalswtf, which introduces range-based @Bitcoin price prediction markets, and @mintpark_io, a Bitcoin-native NFT marketplace. Six ₿apps are now part of the program, and participants who complete all tasks will later be eligible to claim the ₿apper Badge NFT.
Partnerships
The project has integrated @pimlicoHQ into its Testnet, enabling ₿app developers to use smart account infrastructure for improved user experience: https://x.com/citrea_xyz/status/1953438126438809974
Pimlico offers high-performance bundlers, flexible paymasters to handle gas fees, and reliable, scalable tools. This integration simplifies transactions on Citrea, helping developers build smoother, more efficient ₿apps with reduced friction for end users.
Audit
Citrea announced that @sigp_io has completed a private audit of Clementine, its BitVM-based bridge set to connect @Bitcoin to a programmable environment: https://x.com/citrea_xyz/status/1952410148347216141
No critical flaws were found, though 36 issues of varying severity were identified and resolved. Clementine enables trust-minimized bridging, with spending rules enforced by the Bitcoin network. It will next enter a public audit phase.
Funding
@build_on_bob revealed that it has raised $21 million through multiple funding rounds since Dec 2024, supported by investors including @CastleIslandVC, @Ledger Cathay Capital, @Rockaway_X, and @ambergroup_io and others: https://gobob.xyz/blog/bob-has-raised-21m
The latest $9.5 million round saw existing backers increase commitments, with new investors also joining. The funds will accelerate development of BOB’s hybrid chain, which aims to combine @Bitcoin’s security with @ethereum’s DeFi applications, expanding opportunities for BTC-secured transactions and cross-chain yield generation.
Partnerships
BOB announced several new partnerships and integrations including:
@chainlink: Joined the Chainlink SCALE program to bring decentralized Data Feeds to BOB, enabling developers to launch secure markets and unlock new BTCFi use cases using institutional-grade oracle infrastructure: https://gobob.xyz/blog/bob-joins-chainlink-scale
@babylonlabs_io: Integrated Babylon’s Bitcoin Secured Network tech on devnet, delivering Bitcoin-backed fast finality and laying the groundwork for a liquid staking token economy on BOB: https://gobob.xyz/blog/babylon-devnet-integration
@reown_ & @WalletConnect: Partnered to improve Bitcoin wallet support for 200M+ users by contributing to Reown’s AppKit SDK, enhancing UX and wallet interoperability for Bitcoin-native DeFi across the BOB ecosystem: https://gobob.xyz/blog/reown-walletconnect
@ice_blockchain: Integrated into ION’s Online+ framework, enabling BOB-based projects to build tokenized social experiences with embedded wallets, chats, and reward systems: https://x.com/build_on_bob/status/1955570313359737179
@WheelX_fi: Partnered with the AI-powered bridge aggregator to enhance cross-chain liquidity access within the BOB ecosystem: https://x.com/build_on_bob/status/1957412183626895756
@MemebridgeB: Joined forces to provide one-click, low-cost cross-chain swaps, enhancing DeFi accessibility and efficiency for BOB users: https://x.com/build_on_bob/status/1958103566981443791
Staking
@babylonlabs_io held its first Quarterly Founders Call on Aug 13, outlining progress since April 2025: https://babylonlabs.io/blog/inaugural-quarterly-founders-call-april-august-2025
Highlights include the launch of Babylon Genesis, $5B in BTC staked, and technical updates like Trustless @Bitcoin Vaults and multi-staking. Key milestones ahead include EVM integration and a December vault testnet. Founders emphasized making Bitcoin productive without custodians, while addressing community concerns and inviting broader participation.
Partnerships
Babylon announced several new integrations including:
@TacBuild: Integrated as a BSN, enabling @ethereum-based DeFi on Telegram via TAC’s EVM-compatible L1. Through Babylon Genesis, TAC inherits Bitcoin-grade finality and staking rewards, enhancing security for dApps and BTC stakers: https://x.com/babylonlabs_io/status/1952761555063632291
@build_on_bob: Partnered to become a BSN through Babylon Genesis, bringing Bitcoin-level finality and staking to BOB’s hybrid Bitcoin-Ethereum chain. BTC stakers can earn yield by securing native BTC applications without custodial risk: https://x.com/babylonlabs_io/status/1953486377750032405
@osmosiszone: Joined the BSN program to anchor its Cosmos-based DEX ecosystem in Bitcoin security. Through integration with Babylon, Osmosis adds BTC-staked finality, creating additional reward layers for BTC stakers in OSMO and other tokens: https://x.com/babylonlabs_io/status/1956023102493876607
@SuiNetwork: Collaborated to bring Babylon’s Bitcoin staking to one of the fastest and most asset-rich L1s. Once live as a BSN, Sui will offer BTC-based security, staking rewards, and stronger finality mechanisms for its growing DeFi ecosystem: https://x.com/babylonlabs_io/status/1958559790772425039
Testnet
@AlpenLabs has launched its Public Testnet: https://alpenlabs.io/blog/alpen-testnet
Developers can now build apps for trading, lending, stablecoins, and more. The testnet is EVM-compatible and features Alpen’s first 1-of-N verifier inspired by BitVM2.
A further testnet release with upgradeability is planned in the coming months ahead of a full Bitcoin mainnet launch.
Research
Alpen released the much anticipated Glock paper, introducing a cryptographic primitive for script locks on Bitcoin using garbled circuits: https://alpenlabs.io/blog/glock-is-here
The featured construction, Glock25, leverages DV-Pari, a new designated-verifier SNARK. Glock25 offers significant onchain efficiency - up to 550x over BitVM2.
Mainnet
@fiamma_labs has launched the Fiamma Bridge mainnet, a trust-minimized @Bitcoin bridge powered by BitVM2, live across 11 blockchains: @ethereum, @Aptos, @arbitrum, @SeiNetwork, @BNBCHAIN, @base, @0xPolygon, @zksync, @Coredao_Org, @unichain, and @plumenetwork: https://x.com/fiamma_labs/status/1953088029050192371
The bridge enables users to deploy Bitcoin in DeFi for lending, borrowing, and trading without custodial risks. The team plans broader integration, increased liquidity, and the upcoming Fiamma One app, designed to streamline Bitcoin and stablecoin use in decentralized finance.
Audit
Fiamma has completed audits with @OpenZeppelin, @0xbitslab, @zenith256, and @MoveBit_ ahead of its mainnet launch: https://x.com/fiamma_labs/status/1952821426043666764
All significant issues have been resolved. The project is now set to launch the first production-ready BitVM2 trust-minimized Bitcoin bridge, supporting multiple chains from day one. Audits covered components across EVM, BitVM, Move, and Cairo. More audits and codebase open-sourcing are planned.
Demonstration
The project launched a live demo of BitVM2 Bridge’s Operator challenge, simulating a real Bitcoin withdrawal with a malicious twist: https://medium.com/@Fiamma.io/inside-the-first-bitvm2-challenge-execution-preparing-for-real-bitcoin-verification-on-a-0333a385bbe1
In the test, Operator FiaDemo underpaid a user but tried redeeming the full amount. The community-driven Challenger Group flagged the fraud, resulting in FiaDemo’s removal and collateral slashing. The demo proved BitVM2’s design can detect and penalize dishonest Operators, strengthening trust in the bridge’s mechanics.
Media
@AlpacaYovela, Co-Founder of Fiamma, joined @alicelingl on an episode of @HouseofZK Radio: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1957478998910423165
They discussed how BitVM2 and ZK proofs are advancing Bitcoin usability. Yowella explained how Fiamma addresses key DeFi challenges like insecure bridges and complexity with its trust-minimized bridge and Fiamma One app, which simplifies Bitcoin yield strategies while maintaining full user custody.
Full podcast: https://hozk.io/radio#66-Yovela-Luo-Co-founder-of-Fiamma
FLEX
@FairGateLabs has introduced FLEX, a new model aimed at improving @Bitcoin bridge security while lowering financial barriers: https://fairgate.io/publication/21-introducing-flex-capital-efficient-fraud-proofs-for-bitcoin-bridges
Unlike current optimistic bridges that require operators to lock up large security bonds, FLEX allows bonds to be posted only during disputes. Using garbled circuits and BitVM compatibility, it reduces idle capital, supports decentralization, and resists denial-of-service risks - without altering Bitcoin’s consensus rules. The framework also extends to payment channels and rollups.
BitVMX
@bitvmx has begun open-sourcing a second wave of its core components, underscoring principles of transparency, security, and collaboration: https://fairgate.io/post/22-building-together-bitvmx-makes-a-new-push-into-the-open-source
The release includes tools for secure key management, storage, configuration, blockchain simulation, and Bitcoin Core orchestration. Though not yet production-ready, the code is open for community use. BitVMX plans regular releases, aiming to lower entry barriers, foster collaboration, and support scalable decentralized systems.
Research
Fairgate published a detailed article explaining a vulnerability in Taproot-based Bitcoin protocols that use one-time signatures: https://fairgate.io/post/23-a-vulnerability-on-bitcoin-protocols-using-one-time-signatures
The issue arises when preimage size is not constrained in verification scripts, allowing attackers to use oversized inputs that prevent the counterparty from posting valid transactions. This can let malicious actors exploit timeouts to steal funds.
The article recommends enforcing preimage size in scripts or adopting alternative mitigations like ZKPs or double-hash structures.
Tech
@BitlayerLabs has launched their BitVM Bridge Mainnet Beta, enabling @Bitcoin-@ethereum connectivity with YBTC minting and cross-chain functionality: https://medium.com/@Bitlayer/bitlayer-bitvm-bridge-mainnet-beta-event-live-a3bc6e01210c
The release introduces Bridge Pro for larger transfers with temporarily lowered entry requirements and Bridge for smaller transactions. Users can join an experience event with invitation codes to earn rewards and report bugs, while future plans include deeper integration across Bitcoin DeFi applications.
Fundraising
Bitlayer has raised $5 million through oversubscribed token sales across @CoinList, @echodotxyz, @GoMining_token, and @HoldstationW, attracting tens of thousands of participants: https://medium.com/@Bitlayer/bitlayer-raises-5m-in-oversubscribed-token-sales-4m-secured-via-coinlist-9d4a0b737822
The CoinList round alone secured $4 million from over 6,300 investors in more than 100 countries, marking the first U.S.-accessible token offering from a Bitcoin project. The funds will support Bitlayer’s expansion, developer ecosystem, and BitVM Bridge, reinforcing its role in advancing Bitcoin’s decentralized finance infrastructure.
Partnerships
The project has partnered with @KaminoFinance and @orca_so to bring YBTC, its 1:1 Bitcoin-backed asset, to the @solana blockchain: https://medium.com/@Bitlayer/bitlayer-joins-forces-with-kamino-finance-and-orca-marking-ybtcs-first-entry-into-solana-07fdf196bf45
Using the BitVM Bridge, users can mint YBTC with minimized trust, access yield opportunities via Kamino, and trade with low slippage on Orca. This move aims to expand Bitcoin utility in DeFi, enabling BTC holders to earn yield without giving up asset control or decentralization.
Publications
@layeredge published a detailed post explaining how Merkle trees are central to blockchain systems, providing both data integrity and efficient verification: https://x.com/layeredge/status/1951546107336819167
It explains how they work as binary trees where each leaf is a hashed transaction, parent nodes are hashes of their children, and the Merkle root represents the entire dataset. This structure enables secure, scalable validation. @Bitcoin, @ethereum, light nodes, and ZKPs all rely on Merkle trees for tamper-resistant efficiency.
They also published a second post covering how edgenOS assigns proof tasks differently from traditional verification networks: https://x.com/layeredge/status/1957703100636000285
Instead of relying on randomness, stake, or central servers, its light node network classifies nodes by capability and matches them with proofs carrying structured metadata. This system directs workloads efficiently between browser and CLI nodes, prevents idle capacity, reduces cherry-picking, and scales verification across millions of devices.
Tech
The project announced the conclusion of the final testing phase for its edgenOS browser extension light node: https://x.com/layeredge/status/1958435911835787557
With the upcoming edgenOS mainnet, users will still be able to independently run and host a light node by following instructions available through LayerEdge’s GitHub repository.
@BTC_OS has outlined the next steps in its roadmap, focusing on scaling @Bitcoin’s role through interoperability, programmability and institutional adoption: https://bitcoinos.build/media-center/articles/the-book-of-bos-writing-bitcoin-s-next-chapter
The project highlighted several upcoming initiatives:
@TheTNetwork published a detailed article explaining its renewed focus on making @tBTC_project the leading decentralized @Bitcoin liquidity bridge in DeFi: https://blog.threshold.network/setting-the-bitcoin-standard-whats-next-for-threshold-network-and-tbtc/
Following internal debates and DAO proposals, Threshold streamlined its governance, cut costs, and transitioned non-core products into maintenance.
@fractal_bitcoin announced new support from @unisat_wallet, which invested in three projects building on its ecosystem: @safnect, @DeTradingcom, and @SatWorld_io: https://x.com/fractal_bitcoin/status/1955211405982044466
The collaborations target stronger wallet security for @Bitcoin and Fractal assets, faster and more cost-efficient transactions, and large-scale on-chain applications in gaming and content.
