Here we report the progress of the leading builders within the emerging ZK-Bitcoin ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates.
The @citrea_xyz network is gearing up for a major upgrade with the introduction of 'Kumquat' - its first-ever fork. Scheduled to launch on the internal devnet soon and expected on the testnet in a few weeks, Kumquat delivers significant enhancements like light client proofs, upgraded EVM opcodes, Cancun compatibility, and improved proving mechanisms. It introduces off-chain contracts for efficiency and incorporates changes like @RiscZero's ECDSA accelerator for faster performance: https://blog.citrea.xyz/kumquat-the-first-ever-fork-on-citrea/
@GOATRollup successfully concluded its early Pre-Mining campaign, generating yields on 50 BTC and 8M DOGE. With the mainnet launching this month, participants should confirm their EVM address to secure 50% rewards at launch:https://x.com/GOATRollup/status/1871293214524858586…
Additionally, GOAT Network partnered with @bimabtc to introduce a BTC-backed stablecoin, enhancing their BTCFi offerings. This collaboration enables Bitcoin holders to borrow, earn yield, and access personalized financial tools. The stablecoin launch aligns with GOAT’s alpha mainnet debut: https://goat.network/blog/goat-network-partners-with-bima-enabling-btc-backed-stablecoin
@AlpenLabs/@Strata_BTC ecosystem lead @david_seroy presented a detailed session on an interactive whiteboard talking about ZK rollups for Bitcoin. Using scaling-focused ZKPs, BitVM currently offers trust-minimized rollups as a scalable solution. However, achieving fully trustless rollups would require a soft fork to unlock Bitcoin's true scaling potential: https://x.com/david_seroy/status/1756719864046317792...
Also, the first issue of Stratacast was launched to discuss @simanta_gautam transition from AI to Bitcoin, and the role of ZK in Bitcoin's scalability and security. The conversation concludes with tips on navigating Bitcoin's unique culture: https://x.com/david_seroy/status/1876267477522415857
@fiamma_labs Bridge v0.2.0 introduced the first trust-minimized Bitcoin bridge powered by BitVM2, withey upgrades include ZK Light Client, proof aggregation, and Withdrawal Liquidity Providers with two withdrawal modes - Express and Custom - offering enhanced security, flexibility, and faster cross-chain transfers.
The Fiamma Bridge v0.3.0 introduces a challenge module for BitVM2, a dynamic gas fee mechanism to handle congestion, and a refined bridge fee model: https://medium.com/@Fiamma.io/fiamma-bridge-v0-3-0-bitvm2-challenge-module-bridge-fee-model-and-dynamic-gas-fee-mechanism-ca3906ec3200
@babylonlabs_io will launch the Phase-2 testnet, introducing a Babylon PoS chain secured by Signet Bitcoin stakes. Participants, including stakers, validators, and developers, can test staking, network security, and dApp deployment. The upgraded system reduces costs and enhances Bitcoin staking accessibility: https://babylonlabs.io/blog/babylon-phase-2-testnet-launch…
Additionally, Babylon Foundation introduces its Delegation Program to support Bitcoin staking and decentralized consensus for the Babylon Chain. Validators can apply by January 31, 2025, to secure delegation opportunities, ensuring robust security for Bitcoin Secured Networks and fostering ecosystem growth: https://babylonlabs.io/blog/announcing-babylon-foundation-s-delegation-program
@layeredge integrated with @babylonlabs_io’s Euphrates Devnet to bring Bitcoin-backed security to ZK protocols. By aggregating ZKPs and enabling preconfirmations, LayerEdge reduces verification costs by 99%, ensuring fast, trust-minimized settlement on Bitcoin for DeFi, gaming, and cross-chain transfers: https://blog.layeredge.io/layeredge-x-babylon-powering-trust-minimized-verification-with-btc-security-b78af7d55d6d
@BTC_OS introduced their roadmap to extend Bitcoin into Web3, including the integratation of ZKP verifications, enabling trustless bridging (Grail), Bitcoin rollups (MerkleMesh), and programmable token frameworks. In 2025, they aim to deploy advanced primitives, solidify integrations with chains like EVM and UTXO-based systems, and scale decentralized infrastructure: https://bitcoinos.build/blog/bitcoinos-technical-infrastructure-and-roadmap…
In addition, BitcoinOS integrated with @yona_network to bring Solana-level speed and scalability to Bitcoin. Leveraging ZK tech and SVM compatibility, Yona enables BTC-backed DeFi, trustless bridges, and over 10k TPS, turning Bitcoin into a fast, programmable financial network: https://bitcoinos.build/blog/bitcoin-now-as-fast-as-solana-yona-becomes-bos
