Ethereum Foundation plans to add ZK tech to Layer 1, raising questions on what this means for zkRollups. Boost or threat to scaling tools?
Today, the Ethereum Foundation revealed a fresh strategy to enhance the network’s zero-knowledge (ZK) technology.
This action might change ZK innovation in the future and make numerous entrepreneurs reevaluate their place in the market.
All of this occurred when ETH recently surpassed $3000. What does this signify for Zk Roll Ups in Layer 2?
ZkEVM For Nodes Announced By Ethereum Foundation
As part of a comprehensive transition to zero-knowledge proofs, the ETH Foundation declared in an official blog post that it plans to implement a Layer 1 zkEVM within a year.
Instead of requiring typical block re-execution, the plan will allow validators to run ZK clients that validate numerous proofs produced by various zkVMs.
According to Ethereum researcher Sophia Gold, this proposal aims to create real-time proof standards, such as 128-bit security, proof files under 300 KiB, and latency under 10 seconds.
The foundation thinks this integration will make Ethereum more “zk-friendly” and significantly improve its scalability, security, and resilience to censorship.
Ethereum signaled its long-term vision: a blockchain where ZK proofs touch every layer, from consensus signature aggregation to privacy features powered by client-side proving.
Fundamentally, a zero-knowledge proof enables one party (the prover) to convince another (the verifier) that a claim is accurate without disclosing the relevant information.
Since its inception as a theoretical idea in the 1980s, this helpful cryptographic tool has found real-world uses in blockchain, such as identity verification, scalability improvement, and privacy protection.
This ZK push follows Ethereum’s larger initiatives to improve the usability of its Layer 1 protocol.
Founder Vitalik Buterin talked on streamlining Layer 1 to preserve its long-term strength and scalability, as CoinGape previously reported.
Is This Good Or Bad News For Zk Roll-Ups In Layer 2?
Ethereum’s direct ZK integration could significantly increase adoption, but it also raises questions about the potential marginalization of independent ZK proof firms.
Since the Ethereum Foundation has successfully standardized proof systems and established technical standards, smaller ZK teams would find it challenging to remain relevant unless they strictly adhere to Ethereum’s architecture.
However, Ethereum frames its plan differently: by rallying zkVM projects to build toward common “real-time proving” targets, the foundation argues it’s opening the door to industry-wide collaboration rather than stifling competition.
By including ZK proofs at Layer 1, ETH will establish itself as a pioneer in zero-knowledge technology.
It could also cause startups with a ZK focus to modify their business plans.
These firms may be more successful if they develop tools and systems that integrate nicely with ETH current standards rather than competing with it.
