what's RISC Zero?
RISC Zero is a zero-knowledge infrastructure project that provides a high-performance zkVM (zero-knowledge virtual machine) enabling developers to generate cryptographic proofs of arbitrary computations. Built on the RISC-V architecture, it allows programs written in Rust or C++ to be proven correct using zk-SNARKs, without requiring specialized cryptographic expertise. The zkVM compiles code to a universal intermediate representation, facilitating fast proving times and compatibility with blockchains like Ethereum. The technology addresses key challenges in blockchain scalability by supporting real-time proof generation for EVM executions, reducing reliance on resource-intensive validation. RISC Zero's modular design separates proving from verification, allowing proofs to be generated off-chain and verified on-chain efficiently. This enables applications in DeFi, where secure cross-chain interactions can be proven succinctly, and in privacy-preserving computations. By fostering zkVM diversity, RISC Zero contributes to Ethereum's roadmap for lean execution and stateless clients, potentially allowing validation on low-power devices. Its open-source tools and guest programs make it accessible for integrating zero-knowledge into dApps, emphasizing decentralization and performance.
RISC Zero is live on Taiko mainnet, achieving 100% ZK coverage for proving every block.
Links
x.com/risczero_Rumored to be providing ZK proof infrastructure for LayerZero's potential new blockchain called 'Zero', which would use zero-knowledge proofs to decouple execution from verification for high-throughput settlement.
Taiko mainnet achieves 100% ZK coverage with every block proven using zero-knowledge proofs powered by RiscZero and Succinct Labs, now running in production starting this week.
Taiko mainnet achieves 100% ZK coverage in production using RISC Zero to prove every block, marking a live deployment starting this week.
Ethrex's one-command rollup stack integrates with RiscZero's RISC-V zkVM as one of the supported zkVM options alongside Succinct Labs, Brevis, and others.
BitcoinOS announces RISC Zero as collaboration partner alongside Arbitrum, Cardano, and Merlin following $10M funding round.
RiscZero uses proprietary ZK proving technology separate from Polygon Zero's Plonky2/Plonky3, while competitors Succinct Labs, OpenVM, and Brevis run on Polygon's tech stack.
Vitalik Buterin cites RiscZero as a leading ZK team in a tweet about the market's shift to specialized ZK teams operating as separate entities, endorsing this approach over L2s building proof systems in-house.
RISC Zero partners with Ligero to build private, verifiable compute infrastructure enabling compliance proofs while maintaining privacy.
Integration with Anoma platform confirmed, with RISC Zero powering the EVM protocol adapter.
RISC Zero receives version update enabling block replay capabilities with ethrex prover backend integration.
Protocol successfully proves every Ethereum block in collaboration with ethrex_client and Succinct Labs, though 5-10x performance improvements are still needed.
ZK Arcade gaming platform launches with first game demo "Beast" using zkVM technology in collaboration with Succinct Labs, with verification handled by Aligned protocol.
Bonsai service enables cross-chain verification of AI computations, positioning as critical infrastructure for DeAI applications requiring private computation proof validation.
Strategic integration with Boundless platform enables commoditized trading of ZK computational work through spot and futures markets.
New formal verification partnership with Nethermind enhances ZK circuit security and cryptographic proof validation.
$52M+ backed protocol reaches 400k+ users on mainnet beta, reducing computation costs from $1000s to 1957401945603534905
ETH block proofs now generate in 12 seconds, demonstrating significant performance capability.
Security bug identified by Veridise team fixed in zkVM v2.2.0+ with all partners migrated to patched version.
Proof Aggregation Service implements recursive compression for ZK proofs, reducing Ethereum verification costs while maintaining security.
MegaETH testnet achieves 100k TPS with 1B blocks processed; Token Generation Event scheduled for Q4.
OP Kailua implementation makes BOB first chain to utilize ZK fraud proofs.
MegaETH implementation combines ZK fraud proofs with EigenDA, reducing dispute resolution time to one hour while ensuring costs are born by dishonest parties.
$52M backing of Boundless project announced.
New hybrid optimistic-ZK rollup design combines fast optimistic processing with ZK dispute resolution, reducing costs by requiring proofs only during challenges.
Caldera integrates RISC Zero as core proving solution in their full-stack modular rollup infrastructure, expanding proving system adoption into distributed L2 implementations.
New Boundless Foundation launches as independent entity supporting multiple ZK proving systems, with 30+ teams including Taiko, Citrea, and Lido building on the infrastructure.
Two new integrations confirmed: BOB protocol utilizing ZK proofs for rollups, and Malda xyz operating cross-chain lending across six chains.
Execution client achieves 300 megagas performance and confirms multiple projects preparing for production deployment, including upcoming Rogue launch.
Critical vulnerability in zkvm versions 2.0.0-2.0.2 discovered and patched; $50K bounty paid.
New DEX architecture combines offchain orderbook with ZK proofs and rollup settlement for maximum performance while maintaining Ethereum security.
New Blake3 optimization by Citrea enables more efficient verification of proofs on BitVM, benefiting bridge operators.
New Kailua implementation combines SVM and ZK-Proofs technology, enabling direct validator verification and faster transaction finality through SOON SVM integration.
Strategic partnership forms with Boundless to expand zero-knowledge capabilities into APAC market
Performance benchmark shows competitor S-two outperforming by 28x on Keccak chain operations.
New proof of concept demonstrates multi-prover rollup deployment supporting RISC Zero, Succinct Labs, and TEEs with working L1 sequencing.
New proving system reduces Ethereum block proofs to under 12 seconds using $120K cluster infrastructure. Launch imminent.
Technical improvement achieves faster Ethereum block proving time using R0VM technology.
Recent launch achieves 1.5M mints in 48 hours with 10k proof of reads, showing strong market validation.
Steel 2.0 ZK-coprocessor for EVM launches, enabling zero-knowledge computation integration with Ethereum.
Technical integration with MagicNewton platform implements ZK proofs for verifiable AI agents with onchain auditing.
New integration of R0VM with proof aggregation service enables direct verification on Ethereum.
Technical integration with Cartesi completed through grants program.
Leading open-source RISC-V zkVM publishes boundless protocol paper amid growing Ethereum ecosystem attention.
Eclipse Foundation L2 solution integrates ZK proofs technology; snapshot taken and TGE approaching.
Boundless protocol launches to provide universal ZK computation scaling across all chains.
Vitalik proposes Ethereum transition to RISC-V architecture, validating current RISC-V ZK-proof implementations.
Vitalik Buterin proposal positions RISC-V based zero-knowledge solutions for potential Ethereum smart contract expansion to Rust.
ZK proof technology powers Eclipse Foundation's L2 solution alongside Ethereum security and Celestia data availability.
Major government implementation launches with 8M potential users across three states in LATAM, utilizing technology for government service verification.
R0VM 2.0 launches, marking major protocol upgrade.
ZK proof technology integrated into Eclipse Foundation's new Ethereum L2 solution alongside Celestia.
New integration with Aligned platform enables cost-effective verification of Rust program proofs through zkVM technology.