Exploring Zircuit: An EVM-Compatible Zero-Knowledge Rollup for Web3

Zircuit is an EVM-compatible zero-knowledge rollup designed to push the boundaries of web3. Combining proven infrastructure with zero-knowledge proofs, it offers faster transactions, reduced fees, and enhanced security. This article will explain about Zircuit, its features, and how it works.

What is Zircuit?

Zircuit is a fully EVM-compatible zero-knowledge rollup designed to harness the full potential of web3. It leverages pioneering L2 research, integrating robust infrastructure with zero-knowledge proofs to offer unparalleled performance and security. By maintaining compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), Zircuit allows developers to deploy their Ethereum dApps without the need to adapt to new programming languages or frameworks. This ensures a seamless transition for existing Ethereum projects while providing significant improvements in scalability and cost-efficiency.

The core of Zircuit’s innovation lies in its hybrid architecture that combines battle-tested infrastructure with advanced zero-knowledge proofs. This dual approach allows Zircuit to handle complex computations off-chain and only post the final state on-chain, significantly reducing the load on the Ethereum mainnet. As a result, users benefit from faster transaction speeds and lower fees, while still enjoying the security and decentralization of the Ethereum network. This makes Zircuit an ideal platform for developers looking to build scalable, efficient, and secure decentralized applications.

How it Works

Zircuit operates through a sophisticated rollup mechanism involving two key actors: the Sequencer and the User. Users initiate transactions, which are collected by the Sequencer and processed into batches. These batches are then validated through a SNARK (Succinct Non-interactive Argument of Knowledge) circuit, a form of zero-knowledge proof that ensures the validity of each transaction without revealing the underlying data. 

Once all transactions in a batch are validated, the proofs are submitted and verified on-chain, updating the on-chain account Merkle tree. This approach allows Zircuit to maintain high efficiency, lower operating costs, and rapid transaction processing.

The unique aspect of Zircuit's design is its focus on security at the sequencer level. Traditional security measures typically focus on the application or smart contract levels, but Zircuit takes a more foundational approach by monitoring the mempool for malicious transactions. The sequencer can prevent these transactions from being included in the block, thus providing an additional layer of protection. This sequencer-level security, combined with the efficiency of zero-knowledge proofs, ensures that Zircuit can offer a highly secure and performant environment for decentralized applications. This makes it a robust solution for developers looking to build next-generation web3 applications with enhanced security and scalability.

Zircuit's Advantages

Pioneering Research: Zircuit is at the forefront of research in rollup security tooling, rollup compression, and scaling cryptography. This dedication to innovation has earned multiple L2 research grants from the Ethereum Foundation.

Security at the Sequencer Level: Unlike traditional security measures that focus on the application and smart contract levels, Zircuit’s approach targets the sequencer level. This method involves monitoring the mempool for malicious transactions and preventing their inclusion in blocks, thereby providing an additional layer of security.

Secure Native Bridge: Zircuit’s native bridge infrastructure incorporates top-tier security architecture and safety practices, ensuring a straightforward and secure user experience.

Cutting-Edge Performance: By decomposing circuits into specialized parts and aggregating proofs, Zircuit achieves greater efficiency and reduced operating costs. This results in faster and cheaper transactions for users.

Ethereum Application Compatibility: Zircuit supports all major Ethereum wallets and tools, allowing seamless deployment of Ethereum dApps without the need to learn new programming languages or frameworks.

Team and Investors

Zircuit was founded by a team of experienced web3 security veterans and PhDs in computer science, algorithms, and cryptography. The core team includes Jan Gorzny, who serves as the Co-Founder & Head of L2 Scaling, Krishna Sriram, and Martin Derka, both Co-Founders. Their extensive background in blockchain security and cutting-edge research has been pivotal in developing Zircuit’s advanced infrastructure and security protocols.

The project has garnered significant support from notable investors such as Pantera Capital, Binance Labs, and DragonFly Capital, all of which are prominent names in the venture and incubator space. Other investors include Mirana Ventures, Amber Group, and angel investor Arthur Hayes. Robot Ventures, Nomad Capital, and Selini Capital also backed Zircuit, highlighting the strong market confidence in the project’s innovative approach and future potential.

ZRC Tokenomics

The total supply of ZRC tokens is 10 billion. Here is the detailed token allocation:

• Season 1 Airdrop: 7.00%, 700,000,000 ZRC
• Future Airdrops & Community Rewards: 14.00%, 1,400,000,000 ZRC
• Community Provisions: 12.61%, 1,261,000,000 ZRC
• Ecosystem Development: 17.93%, 1,793,000,000 ZRC
• Foundation: 18.70%, 1,870,000,000 ZRC
• Team: 18.74%, 1,874,000,000 ZRC
• Investors: 11.02%, 1,102,000,000 ZRC

Season 1 Airdrop and Gas Mining

Zircuit has allocated 7% of its total ZRC token supply for Season 1 points, with 262,200 unique addresses eligible for claiming. The Season 1 snapshot was taken on July 7, 2024.

The Gas Mining program rewards developers and users based on the gas they spend on the network. For every ETH spent, users earn 125% ZRC tokens, which are sent directly to their wallets. Additionally, users can earn "rolls" for every 0.01 ETH spent in gas fees. These rolls can be used to win additional rewards and super prizes.

Conclusion

Zircuit represents a significant advancement in the realm of web3 by combining the best of EVM compatibility and zero-knowledge proofs. With its focus on pioneering research, security at the sequencer level, and cutting-edge performance, Zircuit is poised to become a major player in the blockchain ecosystem. 

As Zircuit moves towards its Mainnet launch, users and developers have a unique opportunity to engage with the platform, participate in the staking program, and contribute to the evolving landscape of decentralized technologies.