Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the ZK @ethereum ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates.
Featuring: @Starknet/@StarkWareLtd, @zksync, @0xPolygon, @taikoxyz, @Scroll_ZKP, @ZircuitL2, @HelloTelos, @LineaBuild, & @KakarotZkEvm
Tech
@Starknet has released Grinta (v0.14.0), advancing its decentralization goals by introducing three independent sequencers that rotate block production: https://starknet.io/blog/starknet-grinta-the-architecture-of-a-more-decentralized-future/
Although still under @StarkWareLtd’s control, this version distributes validation and lays groundwork for future community governance. Key additions include subsecond pre-confirmations, a peer-to-peer mempool, a fee market with a minimum l2_gas price, and a standardized paymaster interface.
Upcoming developments will enable decentralized validation and boost network performance with Cairo Native and lower proving costs.
Publications
Starknet shared an article explaining how @EkuboProtocol addresses inefficiencies in decentralized exchanges by introducing ultra-concentrated liquidity, gas-optimized execution, and permissionless extensions: https://starknet.io/blog/ekubo-the-amm-endgame/
Built by a former @Uniswap architect, Ekubo links protocol growth directly to token value through withdrawal fee-based buybacks. Operating without venture capital, it has quickly dominated Starknet’s AMM market and expanded to @ethereum, positioning itself as a scalable, capital-efficient liquidity layer for the broader DeFi ecosystem.
The project also released a second article explaining how liquidity shapes decentralized finance markets by explaining spread, depth, price impact, and slippage: https://starknet.io/blog/blurb-on-liquidity/
The piece shows how automated market makers differ from order-book systems, introducing impermanent loss as a key risk for liquidity providers. It also analyzes constant-product AMMs, depth allocation, and fees, before comparing Uniswap v2 with v3. Concentrated liquidity improves efficiency but heightens exposure to impermanent loss.
DeFi
Starknet co-announced that @extendedapp, formerly known as X10, is now live on its mainnet: https://starknet.io/blog/extended-live-on-starknet-mainnet-hyper-performant-perp-dex/
This launch brings fast, low-cost onchain perpetual trading powered by STARK proofs. Extended offers access to over 50 markets, EVM wallet support, and improved withdrawals.
With plans for unified margin, lending, and vault strategies, Extended aims to become a full-stack DeFi platform within the growing Starknet ecosystem.
Tokenized Asset Coalition
@zksync has joined the @TACoalition, an initiative focused on advancing tokenized assets and institutional DeFi: https://x.com/zksync/status/1953411218447679942
The coalition aims to help move the next trillion dollars of assets onchain by improving how capital is raised, invested, and managed through public blockchains. ZKsync’s participation reflects its commitment to building scalable, secure infrastructure for the future of onchain finance.
Tech
@solx_compiler 0.1.1 significantly improves compile speed and efficiency for @ethereum projects: https://x.com/solx_compiler/status/1955653560525590602
In tests across 20 real-world Foundry codebases, Solx compiled contracts 8-13× faster than its previous version and up to 10× faster than solc with via-ir. It also reduced gas usage by 5-6% compared to solc and trimmed deployment bytecode by up to 18%.
@0xPolygon has introduced native @USDT0_to, replacing the bridged version of @Tether_to’s stablecoin to lower fees, simplify transactions, and enhance liquidity: https://polygon.technology/blog/native-usdt0-comes-to-polygon-for-lower-fees-and-deeper-liquidity
The upgrade also adds native XAUt0, Tether Gold’s omnichain token, expanding multichain asset support.
With more than $3 billion in stablecoin liquidity and recent scaling upgrades, Polygon is expanding capacity for faster settlement and broader asset use in stablecoin payments and onchain transactions.
@taikoxyz has activated preconfirmations on its @alethiataiko mainnet, significantly improving transaction speed while preserving decentralization: https://taiko.mirror.xyz/rbgD_KM06QkDe1t0Gw1wI_MLvwobTS1PqEIfstZRo48
The upgrade allows users to receive near-instant soft confirmations before on-chain finalization, making interactions up to 30 times faster.
Phase 1 begins with whitelisted partners as preconfirmers, with plans to expand to a fully permissionless system in Phase 2.
@Scroll_ZKP introduced Cloak, a zk-validium system designed to bring privacy to onchain finance: https://scroll.io/blog/introducing-cloak
Using ZKPs, Cloak hides transaction details and balances while keeping integrity verifiable on @ethereum.
The solution targets banks, fintechs, and payment providers, offering KYC/KYB tools, selective data disclosure, and full smart contract support. Enterprises retain sovereignty over assets and data, while early partners are testing Cloak in cross-border payments and spend management to combine compliance with privacy.
@ZircuitL2 has upgraded its Garfield testnet by shifting from custom zkEVM circuits to a zkVM-based prover, supported through a partnership with @SindriLabs: https://zircuit.com/blog/zircuit-x-sindri-powering-the-zkvm-upgrade
The change streamlines development, improves security, and positions Zircuit to adopt Ethereum updates more quickly. By leveraging OP-Succinct, Kona, and SP1 by @SuccinctLabs, along with Sindri’s infrastructure, Zircuit aims for greater efficiency and reduced costs.
Future plans include exploring multiple zkVMs and optimizing data availability solutions.
@HelloTelos has introduced a scalable privacy layer for EVM blockchains, enabling private transactions, dApp interactions, and token transfers using ZKPs: https://x.com/HelloTelos/status/1958920006567084055
A new cross-platform wallet will support privacy by default and handle multiple asset types. Privacy remains optional, giving users and developers the choice between confidentiality and transparency - making blockchain more practical and accessible for everyday applications.
The project has also completed its Bridge upgrade, delivering significantly improved performance, a more refined user experience, a cleaner interface, and the addition of multiple routing options for enhanced cross-chain transactions: https://x.com/HelloTelos/status/1960578728787894309
@KakarotZkEvm shared an article explaining how current age verification methods online often require users to submit sensitive ID or banking details, raising privacy and security concerns: https://blog.kakarot.org/the-age-of-proof-building-privacy-first-age-verification-infrastructure-for-the-web-c49f49541c13
The article reveals how France and the EU are exploring cryptographic tools like Zero-Knowledge Proofs, with Kakarot proposing local verification on users’ devices to reduce central data storage and preserve anonymity.
DeFi
@LineaBuild announced that @MetaMask USD ($mUSD), the first stablecoin from a self-custodial wallet, has launched exclusively on @ethereum and Linea: https://linea.build/blog/metamask-usd-musd-lands-on-linea
Created with @Stablecoin, @stripe and powered by @m0, $mUSD will link to MetaMask Card for spending at Mastercard merchants with rewards options. The stablecoin will integrate across Linea’s DeFi ecosystem, boosting liquidity and fiat onboarding, supported by recent U.S. regulatory clarity for payment stablecoins.
DeFi
The project also opened its Ignition liquidity incentive program to the public, aiming to grow participation across DeFi protocols on its L2 network: https://linea.build/blog/welcome-to-linea-ignition
The program supports platforms like @aave, @eulerfinance, and @etherexfi, rewarding users who provide liquidity. Payouts are transparently calculated using ZKPs, with reward details viewable now and partial access beginning Oct 27. The program runs until Oct 26, 2025.
National Interest
Linea is one of ten blockchain networks selected to bring U.S. government macroeconomic data onchain through @chainlink: https://x.com/LineaBuild/status/1961517519656624608
Key indicators like GDP and the PCE Price Index will now be accessible on decentralized infrastructure, enabling new use cases in DeFi, trading, and tokenized assets.
Consortium
Linea has highlighted @StatusL2 as a founding member of the Linea Consortium and a long-time Ethereum contributor: https://linea.build/blog/the-linea-stewards-series-status
Since 2017, Status has advanced open-source tools like Nimbus and Waku. Their new L2, built on Linea, offers gasless transactions, community-driven yield distribution, and open-source modules. As a steward, Status helps manage Linea’s ecosystem fund - Ethereum’s largest - to support public goods, research, and stronger cross-chain integration.
