Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the ZK-Layer 1 ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates
@MinaProtocol have released Mainnet Beta 3.0.4-beta1, introducing performance enhancements, bug fixes, and memory optimizations. Key improvements include faster ledger synchronization, reduced archive node memory use, and fewer empty blocks on node restarts. Fixes address stack overflow issues and hashing optimizations. Supported on macOS, Linux, and Docker, users can upgrade via Debian packages or Docker images: https://github.com/MinaProtocol/mina/releases/tag/3.0.4-beta1…
Applications were opened for Season 3 of Mina's Navigators program, focusing on three key areas: onboarding provable data sources (zkTLS), verifiable computing, and infrastructure improvements. The program will fund projects looking to enhance Mina’s ecosystem, and applications are open until June 31, 2025: https://minaprotocol.com/blog/navigators-s3-request-for-startups…
Meanwhile, Mina CEO @khem shared an article discussing AI’s shift from cloud-based models to on-device applications, emphasizing the need for stronger privacy and security. It stresses how ZKPs and other privacy-enhancing technologies are key to secure AI operations and highlighted how Mina’s approach enables decentralized, privacy-first AI integration, ensuring scalability and trust in future AI systems: https://linkedin.com/pulse/from-chatbots-edge-why-zero-knowledge-tech-power-next-kurt-hemecker-nzh5e/?trackingId=HKD0pmcSwFCH5H33IWuRwA%3D%3D…
@bkase_, CEO of @o1_labs, shared updates on ongoing improvements to Mina Protocol. The team is enhancing hard fork mechanisms, reducing node memory usage, and increasing transaction throughput. Mina's engineers are working to optimize slot times, refine zkApp programmability, and develop a hybrid consensus model for faster finality. Work on @untitled_ZK also continues, focusing on zkApp state management: https://x.com/bkase_/status/1889985063829508440…
The team has released a draft whitepaper for @untitled_ZK, a decentralized state management protocol, and is seeking community feedback. The protocol ensures data integrity through cryptographic proofs and incentive-based slashing mechanisms.
The team is still refining details on economic models, attack prevention, and implementation, with contributions towards security, consensus, and incentives being actively encouraged: https://o1labs.org/blog/project-untitled-first-look-of-the-whitepaper
The @AleoHQ Foundation revealed the integration of @0xPredicate, a framework for securing blockchain bridges in compliance with the ARC-100 standard: https://aleo.org/post/aleo-launches-secure-bridge-framework-with-predicate/…
The first implementation is now live on @verulink, an @ethereum-to-@AleoHQ bridge. Predicate uses pre-transaction computation and a network of trusted operators for faster verification while maintaining privacy and compliance, enhancing cross-chain bridge security and supporting sustainable interoperability.
@DuskFoundation, @npex, and @Quantoz are partnering to bring EURQ, a MiCA-compliant digital euro, to the Dusk blockchain: https://dusk.network/news/eurq-on-dusk/…
EURQ is an Electronic Money Token designed for regulated use. This collaboration supports Dusk’s fully on-chain stock exchange and payment system, bridging traditional and decentralized finance. With Quantoz, Dusk expands beyond crypto into mainstream financial transactions.
Dusk has also completed its first mainnet upgrade with Rusk v1.1.0 now live. The upgrade went live at block height 355000 on Feb 17. Node operators who missed the three-day upgrade window may face a soft slash and need to resync: https://x.com/DuskFoundation/status/1890427683630150085
@horizenglobal has approved an addendum to ZenIP 42406, proposing the migration of $ZEN and EON to @base as a L3 appchain. This transition leverages Base’s @ethereum L2 infrastructure for greater scalability, interoperability, and developer support. By integrating with Base’s growing ecosystem, Horizen aims to enhance adoption, reduce costs, and maintain its privacy-focused mission while ensuring long-term technological and strategic advancement in the blockchain space: https://x.com/horizenglobal/status/1894058187902394821…
Additionally, the @HorizenLabs DAO Special Council vote took place from Feb 15 to Feb 22, 2025. Three of the seven seats were up for election, with candidates competing for key governance roles. Voting was conducted via Snapshot, based on $ZEN holdings. The Special Council oversees DAO security and reviews proposals before final votes: https://mirror.xyz/0xF4D306be0E45E78bfE29588Bd018fe9CE405a62d/Jri745T4ruZrXGSSdQFwfBd8HQRZig5kbCyOwvV1tuQ
@sylvechv of @hyle_org joined the @HouseofZK podcast to discuss blockchain, trust, and digital borders with @alicelingl and @DacEconomy from @ProjectZKM.
They explored how blockchain enables truth-making, the role of ZKPs in trust systems, and the challenges of balancing transparency and privacy. The conversation also touched on digital discoverability, decentralization, and the evolving relationship between cryptography and social interactions: https://blog.hyle.eu/sylve-on-hozk-2/…
If you're in @EthereumDenver today (Feb 25th '25) then don't miss your ZK Morning Coffee with @hyle_org, @thezkcloud, @ElectronZK, and @ProjectZKM: https://lu.ma/nei4gu55
@zcash announced several new updates including an integration with the @NEARProtocol, enabling cross-chain swaps for ZEC with BTC, ETH, SOL, and more, all with zero fees. NEAR Intents offers a decentralized, KYC-free alternative to exchanges.
Additionally, Zebra 2.2.0 was released with key updates and improvements: https://zechub.substack.com/p/zcash-shielded-news-vol17
@danielalephzero, Head of Community at @Aleph__Zero, shared a recap of the latest progress update from Co-Founder @GagolAdam. The team is preparing for a major spring release, which will introduce key technical milestones, incentivized campaigns, and a mobile app launch. Development on zkOS and full decentralization of the mainnet are progressing well, and a new AI-Agent initiative is in progress: https://x.com/danielalephzero/status/1887522276226347249
