what's Z Protocol?
Z Protocol is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain designed to extend the Zcash ecosystem with native on-chain applications while preserving privacy. It introduces full EVM compatibility to enable smart contracts and composability on Zcash, a privacy-focused Bitcoin fork. All transactions default to private via a shielded pool, hiding sender, receiver, and amounts. The network employs Zcash Satoshi Plus consensus, where Zcash proof-of-work miners vote for validators alongside Z stakers, combining PoW and staking for security. The protocol plans vertically integrated DeFi primitives including Z Trade (private trading), Z Lend (lending/borrowing), privacy stablecoin USDZ, and yield-bearing yUSDZ. It also targets private AI use cases for agents interacting with the chain. Under licensing with Core Foundation, a share of fees goes to CORE holders, who get priority $Z token access. Launch expected H2 2026.
Z Protocol partnered with Core Foundation as its first franchise, adopting Satoshi Plus for Zcash stakers/miners.
Partnered with Core Foundation as Core's first "franchise protocol," adopting Core's Satoshi Plus consensus mechanism allowing both Zcash stakers and PoW miners to participate in network security and validation.