Here we track the progress of the leading builders within the ZK-L1 ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates.
Aleo introduced their v3.1.0 update, bringing changes such as timestamp-based reward algorithms and reduced mapping costs for GET operations. API endpoints are updated, and validators must upgrade to avoid forking. Additional enhancements include new CDN, security features, and performance optimizations:
https://aleo.org/post/new-snarkos-release-candidate-dec24/
Aleo also adjusted its staking rewards with ARC-0042 to ensure long-term sustainability. Starting December 9, the emission rate will lower APY, reduce inflation, and support tokenholder value: https://aleo.org/post/ensuring-sustainability-arc42/
The following article looks at modernizing provable apps with Hylé's proof composability, making cross-app interaction more seamless. Traditional methods require complex proof recursion, escalating with each language used, leading to delays and dependencies. Hylé bypasses this by natively verifying proofs outside contracts, ensuring that transactions like transferring concert tickets and funds can happen simultaneously without bottlenecks. This reduces development time and also allows for flexible use of various proving languages, enhancing efficiency and developer freedom in building secure, interconnected apps:
https://blog.hyle.eu/proof-composability-on-hyle/
Horizen unveils its evolved brand identity, introducing Horizen 2.0 - an updated L1 platform designed for advanced ZK app development. Horizen also successfully connected its 2.0 Parachain to zkVerify's test Relay Chain, enabling seamless block production and integration of ZK verification:
Horizen also released ZEN 5.0.5 for Mainnet and Testnet: https://mirror.xyz/0xF4D306be0E45E78bfE29588Bd018fe9CE405a62d/LH0H3axrbABTzmzXlNXZ8jIr5-Mj5-c4vpcY_J1gcTU
Gevulot presented Firestarter, the first production-ready universal proving network. Optimized for ZK workloads, Firestarter offers pre-deployed provers, integration with chains like Polygon and ZK Stack, and scalable infrastructure supporting thousands of nodes. With costs up to 95% lower than traditional cloud computing, it’s ideal for developers and organizations. Firestarter’s blockchain-backed credits simplify payments, and its "Not-A-Node-Sale" enables users to rent GPU nodes and earn rewards. A public testnet launches soon:
https://blog.gevulot.com/p/introducing-gevulot-firestarter
Gevulot has also partnered with @NexusLabs to enhance their zkVM proof generation. The integration with Gevulot’s Firestarter platform enables faster, cost-effective ZK deployments. The new Nexus SDK supports parallel proof generation, programmatic interaction, and advanced customization, enabling scalable, verifiable computation:
https://blog.gevulot.com/p/nexus-onboards-gevulot-into-the-professional
The Zcash Foundation has released Zebra 2.1.0, introducing key updates post-NU6 activation. It now verifies V5 transaction consensus branch IDs, rejects invalid transactions earlier, and enforces stricter protocol version checks. The getblock RPC method also offers enhanced block details:
https://zfnd.org/zebra-2-1-0-release/
Aleph Zero’s zkOS framework enables privacy-first, blockchain-powered scientific research. It enhances data sharing, IP protection, transparent funding, collaborative frameworks, and regulatory compliance:
https://alephzero.org/blog/zkos-desci-innovation-needs-privacy-for-a-healthy-future/
Aleph Zero also enhanced the AZERO token security by introducing third-party custody solutions for enterprises. While self-custody empowers users to manage private keys, institutional needs for compliance and security drive demand for third-party custodians. This integration will enable enterprises to securely store AZERO, ensure regulatory compliance, and connect with platforms requiring custodial support. It opens pathways for AZERO's adoption in fintech and exchange partnerships, driving broader network growth. Aleph Zero’s initiative aims to boost accessibility, security, and usability for both individual users and institutional players: https://alephzero.org/blog/benefits-of-blockchain-custody/
Ethereum researcher @drakefjustin recently revealed his Beam Chain proposal, which aims to revamp Ethereum’s consensus layer, introducing ZKPs and post-quantum cryptography to enhance decentralization, efficiency, and security. Unveiled at Devcon Bangkok, the plan includes faster block finality, reduced staking requirements from 32 ETH to 1 ETH, and modular off-chain zkVM integrations to prevent technology lock-in. Critics argue the five-year timeline is too slow for Ethereum’s competitive landscape, but Drake emphasizes careful testing and global decentralization. For more information on the Beam Chain proposal and the broader context in which it fits, see the recently released @HouseofZK Podcast episode with Justin: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1863983934004220300
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