what's OpenVM?
OpenVM is a zero-knowledge Virtual Machine (zkVM) designed to enable efficient, real-time proof generation for Ethereum Layer 1 execution. It contributes to the broader ecosystem of zkVMs that aim to scale Ethereum by verifying block execution through succinct proofs, reducing reliance on resource-intensive validators and enabling decentralized validation on lightweight hardware. As part of the competitive landscape in zkVM development, OpenVM focuses on performance optimizations to prove Ethereum blocks quickly using consumer-grade GPUs, aligning with goals like sub-12-second latencies. This supports Ethereum's vision of gigagas throughput on L1 while maintaining security and compatibility with the EVM, potentially allowing stateless clients like Raspberry Pis to participate in validation.
OpenVM 2.0 & SWIRL ZKP for Ethereum scaling discussed at EthCC 2026.
Discussed at EthCC 2026 with a talk by co-founder focusing on OpenVM 2.0 and the SWIRL proof system for Ethereum scaling with zero-knowledge proofs.
Integration with Ethrex Rust execution client is in progress, alongside integrations with Brevis and other zkVM projects including SuccinctLabs, RiscZero, and ziskvm.
Axiom Proving API adds support for version 1.4.1 with cheaper proving and lower latency.
Live Ethereum mainnet block proving launches with 2.5 minute average proof completion time and under 3 cent cost per proof on single Nvidia 4090 GPU using Axiom Proving API.
New backend integration with Ethrex's zkL2 stack launches this week, featuring working execution capabilities while proving functionality awaits precompile improvements.
Powdr Labs built a WASM zkVM, enabling automated precompile acceleration for guest programs with Geth integration.
Version 1.0.0 launches in production environment.
Production release of zkVM framework version 1.0.0 launches today with full feature set.
Major release achieves production-ready status following competitive security audit.