Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the ZK Bitcoin 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
BTC Staking
@Starknet will launch Mainnet BTC staking on September 30th, allowing @Bitcoin holders to stake WBTC, LBTC, tBTC, and SolvBTC to support network security and earn rewards:https://x.com/Starknet/status/1966138880526315572
BTC will contribute 25% to consensus power, with STRK covering the remaining 75%. The unstaking period ill be reduced from 21 to 7 days, offering more flexibility. Additional BTC wrappers may be added later through community governance decisions.
OG's Convene
@EliBenSasson, CEO of @StarkWareLtd, will participate in a discussion with @danheld during a @PubKey event in New York on Sep 16th:https://x.com/StarkWareLtd/status/1966836311899115742
The conversation will aim to cover the nuances of ZKPs, the role of zkSTARKs in blockchain scalability, and emerging use cases like Bitcoin DeFi.
Media
@kevinliub, Core Contributor to @GOATRollup, participated in a recent interview with @21RatesHQ where he explained how GOAT Network's L2 solution enables secure @Bitcoin yield without compromising self-custody: https://x.com/GOATRollup/status/1964033113450807730
Kevin explained that by combining ZKPs with decentralized sequencers, GOAT allows Bitcoin holders to earn sustainable yield while ensuring miner incentives grow through increased network activity. He also emphasized the need for real utility on Bitcoin - beyond just holding - for it gain the most relevance.
Watch the full podcast: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ctp_w9ncGAQ
Partnerships
GOAT Network has partnered with @goatup_ to launch the first native perpetual DEX on the network: https://goat.network/blog/goatup-the-first-native-perpetual-dex-on-goat-network
The platform will offer non-custodial, high-leverage trading using Bitcoin as collateral - providing infrastructure for continuous, decentralized trading.
Integrations
@citrea_xyz has announced two new integrations, including @atomiqlabs into its testnet environment as part of Phase 2 of the Unfreeze โฟapps campaign: https://x.com/citrea_xyz/status/1961073331819454618
Atomiq enables trustless, slippage-free swaps between @Bitcoin, the Lightning Network, and Citrea, using Bitcoin as the underlying security layer. The integration also brings Lightning Network connectivity to Citrea, allowing users to swap between BTC on Lightning and cBTC, USDC, and other supported ERC-20 tokens.
Citrea also integrated with @DFX_swiss:ย https://x.com/citrea_xyz/status/1966531161720524812
Its testnet implementation allows users to conduct swaps from @ethereum Sepolia to Citrea Testnet, intending to facilitate the flow of liquidity from other chains into Citrea, supporting broader adoption and ongoing development across the ecosystem.
Tech
@build_on_bob shared the latest updates on its BitVM Bridge testnet, highlighting upcoming improvements aimed at better security and capital efficiency as part of the second testing phase: https://gobob.xyz/blog/bitvm-bridge-testnet-upgrade
Key developments include:
@babylonlabs_io shared its latest updates, covering product progress, events, and developments across the ecosystem: https://babylonlabs.io/blog/babylon-genesis-bi-weekly-digest-august-29-september-11
Highlights:
Research
@AlpenLabs has proposed a more efficient โcut-and-chooseโ protocol for verifying garbled circuits in @Bitcoin transactions: https://hackmd.io/@alpen/B1QfSSO5gg
Using verifiable Shamir secret sharing (VSSS), they reduced the on-chain footprint of input labels and ensured evaluator trust. The method encoded input labels as truncated polynomial shares, used adaptor signatures for secure communication, and enabled transaction validity based on correct computation - optimizing scalability and compatibility with Bitcoin script.
The project also reported further reductions in Glock transaction sizes: https://x.com/AlpenLabs/status/1964069465445826962
By combining adaptor signatures with verifiable Shamir secret sharing, they made it possible to include proof data on-chain in a more compact and flexible way - improving efficiency without sacrificing verifiability.
@fiamma_labs and @SuccinctLabs conducted the first mainnet demonstration of a BitVM2-based @Bitcoin bridge on Aug 22th: https://x.com/fiamma_labs/status/1964010070532116852
The system identified and responded to simulated malicious activity in under one second. The test incurred a cost of approximately $64 and resulted in a $1,100 reward. The event aimed to show the technical feasibility of trust-minimized Bitcoin bridging. ย
Media ย
On a recent episode of @HouseofZK Radio, @AlpacaYovela, Co-Founder of Fiamma, joined @alicelingl and @pavel_sinel where they discussed trust-minimized Bitcoin bridging using BitVM: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1961087421249900951
Topics included isolated user safes, permissionless challengers on testnet, BTC-native yield, BLAKE3-bound proofs for on-chain verification, and Fiammaโs upcoming mainnet launch and one-click BTC app, FIAMMA One. Full podcast: https://hozk.io/radio#69-Yovela-Luo-Co-founder-of-Fiamma
Tech
@FairGateLabs has introduced WISCH, a commit-reveal protocol aimed at efficient, secure data disclosure in multiparty computation: https://fairgate.io/publication/25-wisch-an-efficient-and-secure-commit-reveal-protocol
WISCH separates off-chain computation from an on-chain verification core, keeping costs tied only to revealed data. By using aggregate signatures and hash-based commitments, it enables scalable selective disclosure.ย
WISCH's security is proven under standard cryptographic assumptions in the Universal Composability framework, ensuring strong protection and verifiable on-chain performance.
BitVMX
@bitvmx shared its latest development updates: https://x.com/bitvmx/status/1964000211300176329
Highlights:
Eventsย
Fairgate presented recent developments in @Bitcoin-native computation at BTC++ Istanbul through three focused sessions: https://fairgate.io/post/24-bitvmx-force-at-btc-istanbul-expanding-on-bitcoins-scaling-capabilities
In summary:
@BitlayerLabs has migrated to @chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol as its main cross-chain infrastructure: https://blog.bitlayer.org/bitlayer_successfully_migrates_to_Chainlink_CCIP/
CCIP now facilitates asset transfers between Bitlayer and @ethereum, including BTR, USDC, ETH, and others.ย
The move supports Bitlayerโs goal to expand YBTC as a multichain, yield-bearing BTC token.
@layeredge shared a post explaining how leaf-level verification ensures each data proof is validated at its most granular level before processing: https://x.com/layeredge/status/1960938601870508090
This approach enhances security by detecting tampering, enforcing format compliance, and blocking attacks.ย
It's central to LayerEdgeโs flow and core to edgenOS, enabling everyday devices to verify ZKPs and contribute to decentralized trust without relying on central servers.
@BTC_OS has introduced zkBTC, making @Bitcoin fully programmable while maintaining user custody: https://bitcoinos.build/media-center/articles/zkbtc-programmable-bitcoin-on-bitcoin-under-your-control
Each zkBTC mirrors 1 BTC and embeds smart contract capabilities directly into the token using ZKPs. This allows lending, trading, and dApp integration without moving assets off-chain.ย
The pilot program launched with 100 zkBTC minted, demonstrating a new method for utilizing Bitcoin within programmable systems. With cross-chain support and institutional-grade security, zkBTC enables scalable, compliant use of BTC in modern financial applications.
@fractal_bitcoin has released Node v0.2.9, updating its base from Bitcoin Core v24 to v29: https://x.com/fractal_bitcoin/status/1965299741367173561
The upgrade brings enhanced security, improved sync and network performance, and prepares for Bitcoin v30. The rollout supports both v24 and v29 versions, ensuring backward compatibility and allowing users to upgrade on their own schedule.
Sui
@TheTNetwork is advancing @Bitcoin DeFi on @SuiNetwork with Phase 2 of @tBTC_project integration: https://blog.threshold.network/tbtc-x-sui-phase-2/
This phase introduces seamless cross-chain transfers via @wormhole, automated yield strategies through @AlphaFiSUIโs auto-looping vault, and expanded liquidity pools. Following strong adoption in Phase 1, the upgrade deepens Bitcoinโs role in Suiโs DeFi ecosystem, enabling BTC to move and earn across chains without custodians or compromises.
The project also announced the launch of @EmberProtocol_โs new vault on Sui, now supporting tBTC as its first Bitcoin collateral: https://blog.threshold.network/ember-protocol-launches-new-vault-with-tbtc-as-first-bitcoin-collateral/
This allows users to earn structured yield while retaining Bitcoin exposure. Within two days, $2.53M was deposited, targeting an 11.27% APY. The strategy integrates lending, borrowing, and liquidity provision. This marks a key step in expanding tBTCโs utility across the multi-chain DeFi landscape.
Aave
Threshold has launched tBTC on @aave v3 @base and @arbitrum, expanding Bitcoin's utility in DeFi: https://blog.threshold.network/tbtc-now-live-on-aave-v3-base-and-arbitrum/
Following strong demand on @ethereum, users can now supply tBTC on Base with borrowing and flashloan options, while Arbitrum begins with more conservative settings.
