StarkWare Validates Bitcoin ZK Proof

The development of ZK-based layer-2 solutions is enabled by StarkWare’s milestone, which improves the scalability and global payment capabilities of Bitcoin.

StarkWare has effectively verified its first zero-knowledge (ZK) proof using its new STARK verifier on the Bitcoin Signet network, achieving a historic milestone.

The development results from a three-month-long thorough examination of the potential of OP_CAT, the technical proposal designed to enhance the capabilities of the Bitcoin blockchain.

To enhance the scalability of BTC and advance toward global payment opportunities, the verifier establishes the groundwork for creating layer-2 (L2) solutions based on ZK.

OP_CAT proposal

The OP_CAT proposal is being approved and introduces smart contract functionality to the BTC network. It is currently accessible on the testnet, BTC Signet.

StarkWare’s ZK verifier is the initial large-scale practical implementation of the proposal’s opcode on the testnet. Its successful implementation on the BTC Signet network has numerous implications.

Weikeng Chen, a contributor and research associate at L2 Iterative, disclosed to Cointelegraph that the ZK verifier is “an unprecedented endeavor.”

Many building blocks are required; however, the Bitcoin community has never constructed any of these blocks.

Proof of Concept and accessibility

The STARK verifier’s proof-of-concept was achieved by resolving a mathematical problem, which involved verifying the 32nd number in the Fibonacci squared sequence.

The process necessitated a “substantial amount of time” and “tremendous effort,” per Chen. The team “started with nothing” without any information regarding using ZK-proof on Bitcoin.

Chen disclosed to Cointelegraph that the team required “several months to compose the fundamental components from the outset.”

“We are the sole team implementing the ZK verifier in Bitcoin.” This is the first time a ZK-proof has been verified, as we can confirm from various sources.

The first STARK-based solution publicly available to developers, with the code accessible on GitHub, in contrast to other BTC scaling solutions that rely on fraud demonstrations or liveness.

Starknet staking to hit mainnet in Q4

Eli Ben-Sasson, the CEO of StarkWare, disclosed the organization’s intention to implement staking in Starknet by the conclusion of 2024 during the EthCC conference on July 10.

The community’s ratification of a Starknet improvement proposal (SNIP) would result in new staking features enabling stakeholders to “gradually receive more responsibilities.”

The SNIP’s approval would enable users to become stakers if they either retain the minimum staking amount or delegate their holdings to an existing staker.