Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the ZK @ethereum ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates.
(Please note our recent @aztecnetwork and @eth_proofs reports here → https://hozk.io/journal)
@Starknet has outlined its key developments for 2025, including EVM wallet support, @hyperlane integration, and a Bitcoin asset bridge in Q2. Major apps and games will launch, and staking advances with a new prover, fee market, and mempool.
By Q3–Q4, interoperability expands via a @solana bridge and IBC integration, enabling access to over 100 chains without relying on bridges. More details:https://x.com/Starknet/status/1913533156335960521…
The project also announced that its L3 technology is now production-ready, following successful testing by @karnotxyz.
A mining game built on L3 reached 400 sustained TPS over 14 hours, with seamless user experience requiring no bridges or network switches. Developers can now choose between L2 or L3 deployments for flexibility, composability, and scalability: https://x.com/Starknet/status/1917549611582996523…
Another major breakthrough was an integration with @focustree_app, a mobile app designed to help students stay productive, and is driving record growth on Starknet: https://x.com/focustree_app/status/1915381327257374977… In just two weeks, it has onboarded over 180K new users, the majority of whom have no prior crypto experience. Thanks to a gasless wallet with no seed phrases or technical barriers, students can easily mint NFT “tiles” as rewards for completing study sessions. These collectibles are used to build personal digital gardens inside the app.
Focus Tree now drives nearly 90% of Starknet’s daily onchain activity: https://bankless.com/read/focus-tree-starknet…
In collaboration with @aztecnetwork, Starknet now supports @NoirLang developers via the Garaga SDK. This tool enables verification of Noir ZKPs on Starknet without writing Cairo code.
Built by @feltroidPrime, Garaga compiles Noir code and generates Starknet-compatible verifiers, expanding access to privacy-preserving and scalable ZK applications across different developer ecosystems: https://x.com/Starknet/status/1902707507514298674…
Starknet also released its v0.13.5, which reduced transaction costs and improved the developer experience by compressing state diffs and introducing L2 gas.
The update improved data efficiency through optimized blob usage and allowed smart contracts to handle errors. It also added a new Wallet-Dapp API, laying the foundation for a more predictable fee market and better network performance: https://starknet.io/blog/starknet-v0135-blob-compression/…
Additionally, Starknet governance has approved Staking v2, set to launch on Mainnet in Q2 2025.
The update introduces validator block attestation, requiring active participation for staking rewards. Delegators can now assess validator performance and switch freely. Validators may set capped commission rates with time-locked increases, offering greater transparency and flexibility as the network advances decentralization: https://x.com/Starknet/status/1906701797978431916…
@StarknetFndn, in partnership with @uprightventures, has launched an 8-week virtual accelerator for Web3 startups building on Starknet.
The program offers funding up to $200,000, expert mentorship, and a curriculum covering product development, tokenomics, fundraising, and regulatory guidance. Targeting teams with working products, it supports both Web3-native and Web2 firms integrating Starknet. Applications are open globally to qualified startups: https://x.com/StarknetFndn/status/1908225897586471095…They also announced the 'Startup House', a five-day program debuting at @EthCC in Cannes, aimed at turning MVP-stage Web3 projects into viable startups. Open to teams building on Starknet, it offers mentorship, workshops on business models, fundraising, and user acquisition. Unlike casual hacker houses, this selective initiative focuses on structured growth and is open to new and existing teams across Web3 verticals: https://x.com/StarknetFndn/status/1912506368826687814…
Finally, @StarkWareLtd's @CairoLang Playground now lets developers prove and verify Cairo code directly in the browser. No installation is needed - just write, run, and receive a verified STARK proof in seconds. This update simplifies the process, making proving and verification easier and more accessible to all users: https://x.com/CairoLang/status/1920470644082295242
@Scroll_ZKP has implemented its Euclid upgrade, delivering a 90% cut in data costs, fourfold throughput improvements, and critical security enhancements.
Key changes include a switch to @openvm_org for faster, cheaper proofs and adoption of @ethereum's MPT for better app compatibility. Smart account features and enhanced censorship resistance further improve UX and security: https://scroll.io/blog/euclid-upgrade…
Building on the Euclid upgrade, Scroll has become the first zkRollup to reach Stage 1, marking a key decentralization milestone. With its Euclid upgrade, Scroll introduced permissionless sequencer fallback and user-controlled exits. By shifting to a programmable zkVM and enabling recursive proofs, Scroll supports forced transactions and continued operation without central control - setting the stage for further innovation and Stage 2 development: https://scroll.io/blog/stage-1-confirmed…
In other news, Scroll has partnered with @nexityorg to bring real-world asset tokenization onchain.
Nexity will use Scroll to issue and manage tokenized invoices and debt, enabling faster, more secure settlement for small and mid-sized businesses. Scroll’s scalable infrastructure, predictable costs, and developer-friendly tools support regulated finance and upcoming pilots in global trade corridors: https://scroll.io/blog/nexity-is-moving-to-scroll…
The project is also powering the launch of @ether_fi Cash, a non-custodial crypto Visa card that lets users borrow against assets, spend without converting to fiat, and retain wallet control. Built on Scroll’s secure, fast infrastructure, it supports gasless transactions, smart contract wallets, and real-world usability - marking a step toward fully onchain, crypto-native banking for everyday spending: https://scroll.io/blog/etherfi-cash
@0xPolygon has introduced a multistack Agglayer CDK, now featuring @Optimism's OP Stack configuration alongside the existing Erigon setup. This allows developers to build high-performance, low-cost chains connected to @Agglayer without additional fees. The new cdk-opgeth config uses @ethereum's popular Geth client and supports fast finality with upcoming execution proofs.
Agglayer CDK aims to unify Web3 by supporting various stacks, enabling seamless cross-chain connectivity and liquidity: https://polygon.technology/blog/cdk-goes-multistack-aggregate-everything-starting-with-op-stack…
They also presented VaultBridge, a protocol that helps EVM chains generate revenue from bridged assets without changing existing bridge flows. Powered by @MorphoLabs vaults and managed by Gauntlet and Steakhouse Financial, it turns idle deposits like ETH and USDC into yield. VaultBridge requires no special integrations and is free for Agglayer-connected chains. Revenue scales with total value locked (TVL), supporting ecosystem growth without inflation: https://polygon.technology/blog/introducing-vaultbridge-a-new-revenue-lego-for-evm-chains…
In other news, @0xMiden has raised $25 million in seed funding from @a16zcrypto, @1kxnetwork, @hack_vc, and others after spinning out from Polygon Labs' Agglayer Breakout Program.
Led by former Meta blockchain developers, Miden is building a ZK “edge” blockchain that moves execution to user devices, enabling scalable, private applications. The project is in alpha testnet, with mainnet launch expected later this year: https://x.com/0xMiden/status/1917202501910098321…
Finally, Polygon Co-founder's @sandeepnailwal and @jbaylina featured in high-profile interviews:
- Sandeep explained to @Cointelegraph how Polygon’s partnership with @reliancejio aims to bring blockchain to 450 million users in India, stressing the need for balancing scalability with decentralization. Nailwal said solving real problems - like misinformation and improving financial tools - will drive mainstream adoption, as Polygon works with Jio to deliver practical, user-focused Web3 solutions: https://cointelegraph.com/news/polygon-jio-web3-blockchain-india-decentralization…
- In a recently released episode of @HouseofZK Radio, Jordi joined @alicelingl to revisit the launch of Polygon zkEVM, key technical decisions, the combination of STARKs and SNARKs, and the future of scaling and user experience in the Ethereum ecosystem:https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1912242947212603506
@zksync has reached full EVM equivalence, allowing developers to use standard Ethereum tools like solc, Foundry, and Hardhat without modifications.
Approved under ZIP-9, this upgrade is part of protocol version 27 and is now live on Era. The change simplifies building on ZKsync and will expand to other chains in the Elastic Network: https://x.com/zksync/status/1919829194856660996…
The project also released solx, an experimental Solidity compiler based on LLVM, aimed at improving gas efficiency and reducing the need for manual optimizations in @ethereum smart contracts.
While solx already integrates with Foundry, it is still in pre-alpha and not ready for production without additional testing. Developers are invited to compile their own contracts, compare gas usage, report issues or improvements, and help shape solx into a practical tool for real-world Ethereum development: https://zksync.mirror.xyz/aCTbO6aDQdrPbUOFR9YMCt24p7-z5KZMMw_GqFz4tpE…
Following the introduction of solx, ZKsync shared more details for tooling developers. Solx not only improves gas efficiency but also offers a modular LLVM-based architecture that simplifies building new languages, compilers, and virtual machines. By translating Solidity to LLVM IR, solx is ready for experiments with EVM alternatives: https://zksync.mirror.xyz/PgxdGQolDbtPXT3F0UAoqsG4I2frmZdQ4Ca4i01G7Yw…
Finally, @anthonykrose, CTO of @the_matter_labs, and @vanishree_rao, Founder of @fermah_xyz, will feature in an upcoming @HouseofZK stream, where they will discuss the key aspects of the ZKSync and Fermah integration: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1920499654640185705…
The discussion was initially delayed, but is expected to take place tomorrow (May 14th). Look out for announcements.
@LineaBuild has reached Stage 0 in the rollup maturity framework by activating State Reconstruction on its mainnet.
This upgrade allows anyone to independently rebuild the chain from @ethereum data without trusting third parties. It removes a key security risk and marks a step toward full decentralization, with proof completeness and censorship resistance coming next: https://x.com/LineaBuild/status/1918013711404421590…
Additionally, the project has launched Bridge Transaction Sponsorship in Beta v1.5, covering fees for moving ETH, ERC20 tokens, and messages from Ethereum L1 to Linea. Pending bridge funds will be sent automatically. This update simplifies integration for developers but applies only to L1-to-L2 transfers under 250k gas. USDC via Circle’s CCTP is excluded. Users still pay L1 gas fees: https://x.com/LineaBuild/status/1920505251850866987…
Linea now supports @monerium’s EURe and GBPe stablecoins, which can be used for payments via MetaMask Card anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Funds are transferred directly from a bank account through IBAN without the need for exchange, and the coins are fully backed by liquid assets. Swapping and bridging are not yet available but are planned: https://linea.mirror.xyz/9pHeAxBWu2Co2gJUz9uu5EhP-uwo2UIgf_89aDLQ968…
Linea also supports native USDC and @circle’s CCTP V2, enabling fast, secure cross-chain transfers between Linea, @ethereum, @base, and @avax. This shift replaces bridged tokens with fully reserved, 1:1 redeemable USDC. No changes are needed for developers. @MetaMask also adds USDC rewards for card purchases, helping to expand everyday use and improving liquidity across Linea’s ecosystem: https://x.com/LineaBuild/status/1904885739692634323
@taikoxyz announced that the 'Taiko DAO' is now live on mainnet, starting a phased move toward full decentralized governance. The DAO website is open, and a Security Council is testing operations to ensure reliability. Control of contracts and assets will shift gradually, with full transition expected by June 2025: https://taiko.mirror.xyz/QI7xb1sHvU5tEhsMsF0oOLI8OlV2lRXvGPnklJbrxJc…
The project also announced the formation of its Security Council - a key step toward decentralizing governance within its DAO. Comprising eight respected members from the @ethereum ecosystem, the Council manages proposal submissions, handles emergency actions, and safeguards protocol integrity. This move supports Taiko’s broader plan to fully launch its DAO by the end of 2025: https://taiko.mirror.xyz/qB8HgwWQ0eX-AkE8N_ufTz9vAR3jkIlGD2y0DhhQMxI…
@alethiataiko announced an update to the Hekla testnet introducing Multiproving (Pacaya with sgxGeth support). All Hekla provers must upgrade their software to the new versions by April 15, 2025. The changes support the next step toward enabling Based Preconfirmations across the network: https://x.com/alethiataiko/status/1910599054289232106…
Following the Hekla update, the project released a Raiko hotfix (v1.7.2) to ensure compatibility with Pacaya and sgxGeth proofs. Hekla testnet users must re-run the bootstrap and on-chain RA process as instructed to maintain proper functionality and avoid potential disruptions: https://x.com/alethiataiko/status/1912745306556678261…
They also issued a mandatory update ahead of the Ethereum Electra hardfork. Mainnet operators must upgrade the Alethia client and Raiko software to the specified versions before May 7, 2025, to ensure compatibility and continued operation following changes in the Ethereum network: https://x.com/alethiataiko/status/1917470691827527947
The @KakarotZkEvm team has successfully implemented the Ethereum Virtual Machine in Cairo, creating the first ZK-native client for @ethereum block proving.
This provides a new, independent method to validate L1 blocks - diverging from the current REVM+RISC-V model. The achievement enhances Ethereum's resilience by introducing client diversity in the ZK stack, a critical safeguard against systemic risks in the growing ZK ecosystem: https://blog.kakarot.org/cairo-evm-mission-accomplished-how-kakarot-created-ethereums-first-zk-native-execution-client-f139576e4d42…
Additionally, the project shared an article explaining how Kakarot strengthens Ethereum by introducing a fully independent ZK prover stack based on CairoVM, reducing reliance on shared components and lowering systemic risk.
This approach, grounded in diversity, doubles Ethereum’s resilience by mitigating single points of failure - mirroring how infrastructure benefits from varied implementations to enhance safety and long-term stability: https://blog.kakarot.org/safety-in-diversity-how-kakarot-makes-ethereum-2x-safer-699b406075c4
Mohsen Ahmadvand, Senior Researcher at @ZircuitL2, participated in The ZK/AI Summit at @token2049, hosted by @lagrangedev&@HouseofZK. He joined @joshuacheong, Head of Product at @Mantle_Official, @seanwbren, Head of Agentic Science at @BioProtocol, @raopreetam_, CTO at @QuillAI_Network, and @alicelingl, Host at HoZK, to discuss the role of decentralized networks in large-scale AI verification: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1920089139963122108…
In other news, Zircuit has integrated with @EverclearOrg, enabling developers to connect across more than 18 blockchains. This brings lower rebalancing fees and access to a rapidly growing ecosystem, aiming to simplify and expand cross-chain functionality for builders on Zircuit: https://x.com/ZircuitL2/status/1907488643905892623
@victorone111, Co-founder of @MantaNetwork, participated in The Boundless House of ZK hosted by @boundless_xyz (@RiscZero) &@HouseofZK.
He joined @sd_eigen, CTO at @ProjectZKM, @odesium, CCO at @taikoxyz, @tomngodefi, CEO at @MetisL2, and @CKapibara, Marketing Director at @serotonin_hq to discuss implications for L2's regarding enshrining ZKPs on the @ethereum L1: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1909957821405225247…
In other news, Manta has joined forces with @ProjectZeroIO to advance Web3 infrastructure through real-time blockchain intelligence. This partnership enables developers on Manta Pacific to build smarter dApps using adaptive smart contracts, AI agents fed by live multi-chain data, dynamic NFTs that respond to user behavior, and integrated fraud detection with on-chain identities that evolve over time: https://x.com/MantaNetwork/status/1909208847484629318
@LilicJohn of @HelloTelos mused on how the cryptographic systems of blockchains face future risk from quantum computing.
To prepare, Telos plans a multi-year roadmap: auditing current vulnerabilities in 2025, testing post-quantum solutions in 2026, and enabling optional migration in 2027. The goal is a phased transition to quantum-safe tools, starting with wallets and testnets, guided by community input and Telos governance: https://x.com/LilicJohn/status/1908898122128048531…
John also shared an article explaining how quantum money may render blockchain validators obsolete. Unlike blockchains that rely on ledgers and consensus, quantum systems depend on the authenticity of quantum states. Roles like entanglement checkers, error-correction nodes, and quantum verifiers will replace validators, reshaping how trust and value are managed in digital finance: https://x.com/LilicJohn/status/1907855966915195184
@nil_foundation has launched its wallet extension on the Chrome Store, enabling developers to build more efficiently on the =nil; Testnet. The extension functions as a faucet and supports creating smart accounts, topping up balances, and sending tokens. It’s now available for developers ready to start building and testing directly from their browser: https://x.com/nil_foundation/status/1902085851041190346…
In other news, @HouseofZK shared a star-studded panel in which @avizurlo, CEO of @nil_foundation participated alongside @jbaylina, Co-founder of @0xPolygon, @DeclanFox14, Product Lead at @LineaBuild, @realbarnakiss, Co-founder of @malda_xyz and @pavel_sinel, DevEx Lead at @MetisL2.
They discussed @ethereum scaling, rollup fragmentation, interoperability, decentralization, and the tradeoffs between zkVMs, sharded rollups, and aggregation layers in shaping the future of the EVM:https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1906959209633100278
