The "State of ZK Q2" report by ZKValidator, a node infrastructure operator, emphasizes the dominance of zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups) in Ethereum scaling protocols. The report covers major events in the ZK ecosystem, highlighting the launch of ZK- enabled Layer 2 as a significant development. ZK proofs, which utilize cryptography to prove the correctness of information without revealing data, have played a crucial role in scaling layer-1 blockchain protocols.
A Poll ConduCted AMONG 18,000 Followers of the Zero Knowledge Podcast Revealed that the Community Views "ZK for Scaling" as the FASTSTSSTSTSSTESTSEROING SEGMENT In the NE XT 12 MONTHS, With 42% of Respondents Choosing It as the Most Important Application for ZK Proofs. PR ivacy and identity applications ranked second at 23.8%, followed by Zero-Knowledge Machine Learning. This survey reflects the real-world applications of ZK-proofs.
Several major Ethereum scaling protocols are set to launch on the mainnet in the first half of 2023. Polygon plans to introduce a multi-chain system called "2.0" that will leverage ZK-proofs for asset transfers. zkSync Era's ZK Stack will enable developers to build ZK-rollups and a proprietary Layer 3 solution called "Hyperchain." ConsenSys also opened its mainnet Linea network for partners on July 11, providing another important layer 2 platform for Ethereum development.
The report highlights investment activities in the ZK ecosystem. StarkWare, an Ethereum scaling company, has been instrumental in pioneering zk technology, and ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has invested in Kakarot, a zkEVM (zk-enabled Ethereum Virtual Machine ) that utilizes StarkWare technology for building layer 3 applications. Worldcoin secured $115 million in funding for the development of its zk-powered digital identity application and ecosystem. The Anoma Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit focusing on building a third-generation blockchain architecture for decent ralized applications, also received $25 million in funding and is featured in the report.
