Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the Bitcoin ZKonomy, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates
Leading @citrea_xyz researchers - @ekrembal_, @Artsteiin, and Hakan Karakuş - released an article detailing the latest design of Clementine, a BitVM-based Bitcoin bridge. This solution scales Bitcoin’s blockspace using ZKPs while maintaining security and decentralization, introducing an efficient two-way peg mechanism with roles like signers, operators, and watchtowers to ensure trust-minimized BTC transfers. Recent updates enhance efficiency, shorten challenge durations, and improve security: https://review.stanfordblockchain.xyz/p/64-citrea-scaling-bitcoins-future
@GOATRollup unveiled the BitVM2 Playground, offering the first experience with this novel system for natively secure Bitcoin L2 scaling. Utilizing @ProjectZKM zkMIPS proofs, BitVM2 enables secure, decentralized bridge transactions without trusted parties. Its 6-stage architecture ensures verifiable security through challenge mechanisms, economic incentives, and dual slashing: https://goat.network/blog/introducing-bitvm2… You can explore the BitVM2 Playground here: https://bitvm2.goat.network
Meanwhile, GOAT Network has partnered with @Zeepr_labs and @Rhombus_io to expand its DeFi ecosystem. Zeepr brings low-fee trading with synthetic assets, while Rhombus adds a borrow/lend protocol. Both launch in Q1 2025 with GOAT’s alpha mainnet: https://goat.network/blog/goat-network-partners-with-decentralized-perpetual-trading-platform-zeepr
@AlpenLabs announced an $8.5M strategic round co-led by @dba_crypto and @cyberFund_ to accelerate the development of @Strata_BTC, a Bitcoin ZK rollup. Strata will enable scalable self-custody, privacy-focused payments, and BTC-backed applications, with public testnet launching soon: https://alpenlabs.io/blog/strategic-round
@Strata_BTC showcased upgrades to its full node, sequencer, prover, bridge, and BitVM2. Key developments include improved storage, multi-zkVM support, and a trust-minimized bridge. Focused on security and efficiency, Strata aims to enable verifiable, programmable p2p electronic cash worldwide with an EVM-compatible ZK rollup: https://x.com/Strata_BTC/status/1879214064074948817
@nubit_org introduced Goldinals, a unified protocol for Bitcoin assets that simplifies and decentralizes asset management. Built with zkOracle and BitVM, Goldinals leverages @SuccinctLabs SP1 for efficient development and powers innovations like Bitcoin-native stablecoins and DeFi, revolutionizing the Bitcoin ecosystem: https://nubit.org/Goldinals.pdf
@BTC_OS integrated with @RiscZero’s @boundless_xyz Network, bringing @ethereum-level programmability to Bitcoin. Using zkVM technology for computation verification, it positions Bitcoin as a secure, programmable foundation for decentralized applications, rivaling Ethereum’s dominance in scalability and innovation: https://bitcoinos.build/blog/risc-zeros-boundless-network-brings-ethereum-programmability-to-bitcoin-through-bos…
Additionally, BitcoinOS proposed integrating @Ripple with Bitcoin through BOS, creating a bridge between Bitcoin’s $2 trillion market and Ripple’s advanced financial infrastructure. With Ripple’s expertise in cross-border transactions and XRP Ledger’s speed, this partnership could scale Bitcoin’s utility, connecting traditional and decentralized finance seamlessly: https://x.com/BTC_OS/status/1882438114318373092
@layeredge teamed up with @fermah_xyz to offer an enhanced ZKP infrastructure for Bitcoin. By combining LayerEdge’s Bitcoin-backed proof aggregation with Fermah’s efficient proof generation marketplace, the partnership delivers scalable, trust-minimized, and cost-effective proofs on Bitcoin: https://x.com/layeredge/status/1881771308213813492…
LayerEdge alse launched its incentivized Testnet, marking a milestone in building the Bitcoin-backed internet. It integrated @RiscZero’s zkVM for efficient off-chain computation, proof aggregation, and rewards users for verifying proofs via light nodes: https://blog.layeredge.io/layeredge-testnet-launch-incentivized-building-the-bitcoin-backed-internet-a7874d2e5cea
@babylonlabs_io has invested in @fiamma_labs to create trust-minimized Bitcoin bridges using BitVM2, enabling seamless integration of Bitcoin with the Babylon chain and Cosmos ecosystem:
@fractal_bitcoin launched its Season 3 Grants Program, introducing the new "Let Fractal Grow" category for early-stage innovation. With retroactive funding, rolling submissions, and a balanced evaluation framework, the program supports diverse projects driving Fractal's ecosystem growth: https://fractalbitcoin.io/updates/-introducing-fractals-season-3-grants-program-expanding-support-for-innovation-…
In addition, Fractal unveiled its Q1 2025 roadmap, focusing on enhancing Bitcoin innovation. Key initiatives include atomic swaps, stablecoin infrastructure, developer resources, and institutional adoption: https://fractalbitcoin.io/updates/fractal-roadmap-for-q1-2025-strengthening-bitcoins-playground-of-innovation-
@MapProtocol has published a roadmap for 2025, focusing on blockchain interoperability with Bitcoin, Dogecoin, and Solana cross-chain support, enhanced mainnet security, and liquidity incentives. The launch of Mstack aims to streamline decentralized app development and accelerate Web3 innovation: https://medium.com/@mapprotocolofficial/map-protocol-2025-roadmap-pioneering-the-future-of-blockchain-interoperability-b94c9cdb7de9
@build_on_bob adopted Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol as its standard infrastructure for secure cross-chain token transfers. This integration enhances BOB’s Hybrid L2 capabilities, combining Bitcoin’s security with Ethereum’s DeFi innovation, unlocking new opportunities for Bitcoin-backed decentralized finance: https://blog.gobob.xyz/posts/bob-adopts-the-chainlink-standard-as-its-canonical-cross-chain-infrastructure-for-native-assets…
In addition, BOB shared a report on its latest updates: 20M transactions & $230M+ TVL, Aave integration, a new UI for Bob Stake, and key upcoming events including @HouseofZK's Bitcoin Economy Conference, BitVM Night in Denver and "Bullish on BTC Spaces": https://x.com/build_on_bob/status/1881114422711849100
@babylonlabs_io invited projects to apply for Bitcoin Secured Network support, which leverages Bitcoin staking for enhanced security and liquidity. With $6 billion BTC already staked, BSNs can boost decentralization, resilience, and liquidity, transforming blockchain security via Bitcoin’s vast economic power: https://babylonlabs.io/blog/bsns-welcome---apply-now-for-support-from-babylon-labs
Also, @BitcoinSuisseAG has integrated Babylon’s Bitcoin staking protocol, enabling institutions and individuals to earn rewards on BTC holdings trustlessly: https://babylonlabs.io/blog/bitcoin-suisse-embraces-babylon-bitcoin-staking
@StarkWareLtd CEO @EliBenSasson featured in a space discussing with 'Bitcoin Covenants with ColliderScript', together with @Ethan_Heilman, @avihu28, and @Blockstream's AndrewPoelstra: https://crowdcast.io/c/ghurkbev4v3o
