Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the zkBitcoin ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates
@GOATRollup Pre-Deposit is now live, allowing users to deposit BTCB or DOGE on @BNBCHAIN to earn rewards: https://x.com/GOATRollup/status/1896923655575359862…
Supported by @Stake_Stone’s omnichain liquid asset protocol, participants can earn BTC, STO tokens, and 2x GOAT Points, with early depositors (first 2,000 addresses with at least 0.0015 BTC or 750 DOGE) to receive 50 STO. veSTO holders will gain additional rewards for long-term liquidity support. GOAT Pre-Deposit: https://app.stakestone.io/u/vault/detail/goat…
In other news, the GOAT team took the main stage at @EthereumDenver, with Professor Redouane Elkamhi, Chief Economist at GOAT Network, presenting 'How to Earn BTC With Your Dogecoin'. Later, GOAT Network CEO, @kevinliub, hit the stage, sharing insights into GOAT Network’s grand vision and future developments: https://x.com/EthereumDenver/status/1895233391680987460…
The team also participated in @Zk_Hub_Global, organized by @HouseofZK as part of @EthereumDenver, where Core Contributor @sd_eigen presented a talk focused on BitVM2 as a solution to Bitcoin scalability. Timestamp - 06:16:16: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1yNGaLzAgLvKj…
Lastly, but certainly not least, GOAT Network has launched the One Piece Project - an exciting new initiative for BTC and DOGE holders.The One Piece Project allows users to explore the GOAT ecosystem while earning BTC and GOAT Points. The journey begins with Assembly, where users mint a free NFT to obtain a Capsule for future milestones, with rewards increasing with more transactions. Users can bridge BTC, BTCB, or DOGEB to get started: https://goat.network/blog/goat-one-piece-project-unlock-your-greatness…
One Piece Project: https://onepiece.goat.network
@citrea_xyz's testnet now supports EncifherBot, a tool developed by @encifherio for private Bitcoin transactions on Telegram. The bot enables users to send BTC securely, emphasizing the importance of financial privacy: https://x.com/citrea_xyz/status/1887826202632806452…
They also participated in @Zk_Hub_Global, with @otaliptus, DevRel Engineer at Citrea, joining a panel discussion to find the optimal approach to Bitcoin scaling. The panel also featured representatives from @build_on_bob, @StarkWareLtd, and @AlpenLabs, focusing on different strategies for improving Bitcoin scalability.
Timestamp - 06:48:05: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1yNGaLzAgLvKj
@dimahledba, Head of Ecosystem at @StarkWareLtd, shared thoughts on verifying STARK proofs on Bitcoin by introducing specialized arithmetic opcodes for the M31 Mersenne prime field (2³¹ - 1):https://hackmd.io/@abdelhamid/m31-opcodes-bitcoin-stark
These hypothetical opcodes (e.g., OP_M31ADD, OP_M31SUB, OP_M31MUL, OP_M31INV) could enable efficient on-chain verification of STARK proofs, reducing complexity compared to general-purpose opcodes. This approach may improve security, mitigate MEV risks, and even support post-quantum cryptographic schemes, though challenges remain.
StarkWare appointed @UHaboeck to its Scientific Advisory Board. A leading researcher in Circle STARKs and LogUp, he brings experience from @0xPolygon, @OrbisLabs, and @HorizenLabs, with his role focusing on improving Stwo as a prover and advancing Bitcoin scaling research using STARKs: https://x.com/StarkWareLtd/status/1891442602236616714…
@danheld also joined as a Bitcoin advisor. StarkWare is exploring Bitcoin DeFi and recently demonstrated how ZKPs could be verified on Bitcoin using OP_CAT, a pending technical proposal: https://x.com/danheld/status/1884979897476792386…
They're also looking to make more new appointments to their Bitcoin exploration team, and are seeking skilled Bitcoin developers. Two positions are open: one for a developer to work on STARK-based Bitcoin projects and another for a team lead with both technical and management expertise: https://x.com/dimahledba/status/1883823254852284604…
Finally, Starkware sponsored and participated in @Zk_Hub_Global, organized by @HouseofZK as part of @EthereumDenver. @starkandlime, BD Manager at Starkware, contributed to the panel discussion on 'Finding the Optimal Approach to Bitcoin Scaling'. The session, also featuring experts from @build_on_bob, @citrea_xyz, and @AlpenLabs, covered different approaches to improving Bitcoin’s scalability.
Timestamp - 06:48:05: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1yNGaLzAgLvKj
@AlpenLabs has announced that @uncomputab1e has joined their team as a Research Engineer. Previously a core engineer at @Blockstream, Lewe played a key role in developing Simplicity and Miniscript while specializing in formal verification and ZKPs: https://x.com/AlpenLabs/status/1896636001046667669…
@Strata_BTC has optimized BLAKE3, a BitVM2 primitive, for SNARK verification, reducing onchain costs and improving efficiency. Enhancements include removing the 288-byte limit, better stack efficiency, and extensive testing. Numerical operations were rewritten for broader usability. The work is merged into BitVM, with an ongoing review for integration into Strata’s bridge and other protocols: https://x.com/Strata_BTC/status/1890075114211037629…
Alpen also sponsored and participated in @Zk_Hub_Global, organized by @HouseofZK as part of @EthereumDenver. @david_seroy, Ecosystem Lead at Alpen, took part in a panel alongside speakers from @build_on_bob, @citrea_xyz, and @StarkWareLtd to discuss key challenges and solutions for Bitcoin scalability.
Timestamp - 06:48:05: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1yNGaLzAgLvKj
@nubit_org introduces Bitcoin Thunderbolt, a network designed to enhance Bitcoin’s capabilities in assets, trading, and verification. Goldinals unifies Bitcoin assets, eliminating fragmentation, while BitMM enables fast, seamless on-chain swaps. BitVisa brings verifiable identity to Bitcoin, reinforcing trust.
Thunderbolt aims to accelerate Bitcoin’s evolution, launching in Q1 to unlock its full potential: https://x.com/nubit_org/status/1896590250887303553
@BTC_OS is introducing trustless Bitcoin bridging to @arbitrum through, enabling secure and non-custodial transfers between Bitcoin and @ethereum ecosystems. This integration will allow users to access Bitcoin liquidity without intermediaries, reducing counterparty risk. With BitcoinOS, Arbitrum users will be able to interact with Bitcoin in a decentralized way, expanding financial possibilities and improving asset interoperability across blockchain networks: https://bitcoinos.build/blog/bitcoin-extends-to-arbitrum-via-trustless-bridging-with-bos…
BitcoinOS are partnering with @GoMaestroOrg to enhance interoperability between Bitcoin and @Cardano. Maestro's indexing and APIs will power seamless cross-chain DeFi, leveraging BitcoinOS's ZK-based framework. Their technology supports UTXO chains, enabling smooth data handling, improved developer tools, and integration with BOS’s unchained tokens: https://x.com/BTC_OS/status/1889324134821163338…
Lastly, The BitcoinOS Grail testnet bridge is now live, allowing users to transfer Bitcoin from Bitcoin Testnet 3 to various EVM-based testnets. This launch provides a tangible tool for developers and users, with gas fees subsidized. Initially supporting one-way BTC-to-EVM transfers, the system aims to enable two-way bridging soon, enhancing Bitcoin’s cross-chain functionality securely: https://blog.bitcoinos.build/blog/bos-grail-testnet-bridge-is-live-the-holy-grail-of-trustless-bitcoin-scaling
@MapProtocol presented its February updates, highlighting progress in cross-chain interoperability and partnerships: https://medium.com/@mapprotocolofficial/map-protocol-february-updates-211aa585747b…
Key technical advancements included Bitcoin cross-chain messaging, multi-affiliate fee customization, and XRP integration. Cross-chain volume surpassed $82M, with @ethereum leading at $38M. The team engaged at Consensus Hong Kong, strengthening industry ties, while a new partnership with @deepseek_ai explores AI integration in Web3.
@layeredge integrates @RiscZero’s zkVM and @boundless_xyz to optimize proof verification on Bitcoin, reducing computational costs while ensuring scalability. It aggregates and settles ZKPs, extending Bitcoin’s security to modular blockchains, AI, and data availability layers. This trust-minimized approach enables decentralized computation with lower costs and greater efficiency, ensuring finality and censorship resistance on Bitcoin: https://blog.layeredge.io/scaling-the-bitcoin-backed-internet-layeredge-leverages-risc-zeros-zkvm-and-boundless-for-proof-2667400cd549…
The project also launched Phase II of its Incentivized Testnet, extending the campaign until March 22, 2025. New features include a tasks page, proof submission, and the Pledge Pass mint, which boosts node earnings. The CLI Node launches on March 7, allowing 24/7 uptime and higher rewards: https://blog.layeredge.io/layeredge-incentivized-testnet-phase-ii-goes-live-6c84d085151c…
Finally, LayerEdge has announced more partnerships to strengthen its testnet infrastructure. @mintairxyz is joining as a node infrastructure partner, enabling one-click deployment of CLI-based light nodes for the LayerEdge Testnet, with future mainnet support: https://x.com/layeredge/status/1896527126658166793…And, @BuildOnNodeOps, an AI-powered DePIN orchestration layer, will support LayerEdge’s CLI-based light nodes on the testnet, enhancing network reliability and performance: https://x.com/layeredge/status/1896863727443710024
@fiamma_labs is expanding Bitcoin’s utility by enabling cross-chain scalability and interoperability through its trust-minimized BitVM2 Bridge. Leveraging @boundless_xyz for ZKP computation, the project aims to integrate Bitcoin into a decentralized internet and financial system while maintaining security and efficiency: https://x.com/fiamma_labs/status/1892144094862016687…
Using its BitVM2 bridge, Fiamma is integrating Bitcoin with @arbitrum, enabling a trust-minimized way to use BTC on the network without centralized intermediaries. The Fiamma Bridge leverages Bitcoin opcodes and ZKP's to ensure secure transactions, allowing users to access decentralized exchanges, yield farming, and lending directly on Arbitrum: https://x.com/fiamma_labs/status/1896569127478657296…
The project also announced improvements to its Bitcoin bridge for @build_on_bob, with key optimizations including a multi-assert transaction feature, allowing Bitcoin to process challenge transactions independently, reducing reliance on miners and centralization risks. The update enhances security and strengthens Bitcoin-native BTCFi development: https://x.com/fiamma_labs/status/1895880117400060386
@babylonlabs_io is now interoperable with @union_build, a ZK-powered cross-chain settlement layer. This integration enables secure asset transfers across Union-connected chains like EVM, @cosmos, and MoveVM while verifying chain consensus trustlessly. It's live on Union Testnet 9, with public testing coming soon: https://x.com/babylonlabs_io/status/1887165026638934022…
Babylon is also set to launch its 'Phase-2' with support from @leap_wallet, @keplrwallet, and Cosmostation wallets, enabling BTC and BABY staking from day one: https://babylonlabs.io/blog/cosmos-wallets-supporting-babylon-phase-2
@build_on_bob has launched Hybrid BTC yield products, creating the first multi-chain BTC-yield layer. Users deposit assets into managed vaults on BOB and earn Bitcoin yield from other chains, starting with @ethereum. Secured by Bitcoin, these vaults tokenize cross-chain yield as Yield-Bearing Assets for further DeFi use. BOB’s DeFi campaign offers OP token incentives: https://blog.gobob.xyz/posts/bob-launches-hybrid-btc-yield-products-ushering-in-a-new-era-of-bitcoin-defi…
In addition, BOB has launched its BitVM bridge on the public testnet with @fiamma_labs, enabling secure, trust-minimized BTC deposits and withdrawals on its hybrid L2. Key improvements include enhanced dispute resolution and on-chain verification: https://x.com/build_on_bob/status/1896885184399597776…
BOB also integrated @FireblocksHQ MPC wallet to provide secure institutional access to Bitcoin DeFi. This integration connects Fireblocks 2,000+ institutional clients to BOB’s BTC DeFi ecosystem, enabling yield generation on Bitcoin holdings. With enhanced security and streamlined transactions, institutions can now participate in Bitcoin DeFi securely: https://blog.gobob.xyz/posts/bob-integrates-fireblocks-to-unlock-institutional-bitcoin-defi…
Finally, BOB sponsored and participated in @Zk_Hub_Global, organized by @HouseofZK as part of @EthereumDenver.
@alexeiZamyatin, Co-founder of BOB, delivered an exhilarating opening keynote to the 'ZK in Bitcoin' session titled 'The Hybrid L2 – Putting BTC at the Center of DeFi', where he explained how Bitcoin can play a central role in DeFi.
Timestamp - 06:48:05: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1yNGaLzAgLvKj
@HouseofZK has joined bitvm/acc as a founding member - a newly formed working group focused on advancing the adoption and implementation of BitVM: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1895231018971373600…
The initiative aims to refine and educate about BitVM’s technology, originally introduced by @robin_linus in 2023, and make it a practical, widely-used solution for Bitcoin DeFi.
Organized by @build_on_bob, the other founding members of bitvm/acc include @ZeroSync_, @BitcoinLayers, @babylonlabs_io, @CommonPrefix, @fiamma_labs, @RiscZero, and @SuccinctLabs
