Here we report on the progress of the leading builders in the Bitcoin ecosystem, documenting recent significant releases, technical breakthroughs and general updates
@StarkWareLtd has welcomed @liujackc - known for his work with Ordinals, BRC20, and USDC in Asia - as a Bitcoin Advocate. His role is to help @Starknet become Bitcoin’s settlement layer. To support this, StarkWare and Liu have launched a $2M seed fund aimed at Bitcoin dApp developers and projects exploring ZK tech or bridging Bitcoin with Starknet: https://x.com/StarkWareLtd/status/1907057374202056731…
The project also shared an article in which it reflects on what it means to be a Bitcoin Standard company. It outlines the company’s commitment to scaling Bitcoin using ZK, expanding Starknet to settle on both @ethereum and Bitcoin. The article details how StarkWare holds Bitcoin reserves, engages in open-source development, supports Bitcoin research, and funds projects that advance decentralized finance: https://starkware.co/blog/starkware-bitcoin-standard/…
@EliBenSasson, CEO of StarkWare, shared an opinion on Satoshi Nakamoto’s true innovation: redefining money as a social construct rooted in integrity and consensus. Unlike traditional systems, Bitcoin’s value stems from decentralization, incentivized integrity, and public verifiability. Besson argues these principles enable broader trust and participation. He believes similar models could one day transform other social constructs like elections, registries, and public records: https://starkware.co/integrity-matters-blog/fixing-money-satoshis-disruption-of-human-society/…
In a recent StarkWare Special, @dimahledba, Head of Ecosystem at StarkWare, joined @HouseofZK to talk about Starknet’s expansion plans, including Bitcoin settlement, and reaffirmed Starknet’s long-term vision of decentralization, trustless interoperability, and full-stack ownership. He emphasized self-custody, enhanced UX, open-source tooling, and the importance of connecting Ethereum and Bitcoin in a secure, scalable, and censorship-resistant way: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1905338343464075476
@build_on_bob has launched its 1-click Bitcoin DeFi solution on @XverseApp Earn, enabling users to seamlessly access DeFi yield opportunities with native BTC: https://blog.gobob.xyz/posts/bob-introduces-1-click-bitcoin-defi-to-xverse-earn… Through BOB Gateway, Xverse users can swap BTC for liquid staking tokens and earn multichain yield via Hybrid BTC. This integration simplifies Bitcoin DeFi, offering secure, single-transaction access and expanding DeFi participation for over 1.5 million Xverse wallet users.
The project also announced a partnership with @boundless_xyz and @RiscZero to enhance its rollup with Bitcoin-level security, ZK fraud proofs, and faster withdrawals. Initially launching with ZK fraud proofs, BOB aims to evolve into a Stage 1 rollup using validity proofs. Integration of @babylonlabs_io-based Bitcoin finality will support settlement on @ethereum and BitVM bridge operations: https://x.com/build_on_bob/status/1904569635434799524…
Also, they announced two further partnerships, including:
1/ A joint launch of the “Home of Bitcoin DeFi” campaign with @layer3xyz, where users can explore BOB’s Hybrid L2 and HybridBTC products by completing 9 educational and on-chain quests to earn a share of 750,000 $OP tokens and additional rewards: https://blog.gobob.xyz/posts/bob-home-of-bitcoin-defi-launchpad-campaign-now-live-on-layer-3…
2/ An integration with @deBridgeFinance, enabling BOB to access over 20 EVM and non-EVM blockchains for secure cross-chain asset and data transfers. This collaboration enhances interoperability, supports the upcoming BitVM bridge, and strengthens BOB’s position as a trustless gateway for Bitcoin DeFi: https://blog.gobob.xyz/posts/bob-is-now-live-on-debridge
@babylonlabs_io Genesis is launching as the first Bitcoin Secured Network, using Bitcoin staking to secure its own L1 chain and future BSNs. It acts as a security layer, coordination hub, and liquidity center. Over 57,000 BTC have been staked so far. Upcoming features include a decentralized exchange, restaking, and a trust-minimized Bitcoin bridge, aiming to expand Bitcoin’s role in the PoS ecosystem: https://babylonlabs.io/blog/the-three-facets-of-babylon-genesis…
In addition, Babylon Genesis will host its first native decentralized exchange, @Tower DEX, designed to boost Bitcoin liquidity across the BTCFi ecosystem. Developed by Tower Labs, it features vote-escrowed governance, concentrated liquidity, and NFT-based liquidity positions. Launching first as BabyDEX, the platform will evolve to include $TWR token incentives and community-driven liquidity management: https://babylonlabs.io/blog/tower-dex-plans-to-launch-on-babylon-genesis
In a recent episode of @HouseofZK Radio, @0xkevinhe, Co-founder of BitLayer, joined @alicelingl and @pavel_sinel to discuss building a Bitcoin L2 with onchain ZK verification: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1904170500693094835… He explained design tradeoffs, combining fraud and validity proofs, BitLayer’s work on BitVM and STARKs, EVM execution, governance, and enabling trustless BTC-Fi.
@BitlayerLabs announced two partnerships, including:
1. An integration with @DesynLab to launch the BTC product BLBTC, allowing users to earn yields of up to 20% APR. The product enables BTC holders to participate in basis trading strategies, generating profits through arbitrage opportunities, along with additional rewards in BTR and DSN tokens: https://medium.com/@Bitlayer/bitlayer-launches-official-btc-yield-with-apr-up-to-20-74a8f8a7685e…
2. A collaboration with @celestia to scale BitVM infrastructure. The integration of Celestia’s data availability solutions provides high throughput, reduced transaction costs, and sustainable development for the Bitlayer Rollup ecosystem: https://medium.com/@Bitlayer/bitlayers-bitvm-ecosystem-now-supercharged-by-celestia-s-data-solutions-4bf666aed978…
The project also integrated the @XverseApp with the BitVM Bridge, allowing users to access Bitcoin DeFi via a trust-minimized BTC bridge. The BitVM Bridge testnet has migrated to BitVMNet, supporting Mint and Unmint functions. @ethereum is live, with plans to support @base, @Starknet, @arbitrum, @plumenetwork, and @SonicSVM for multi-chain liquidity: https://blog.bitlayer.org/Bitlayer_Advances_the_First_BitVM_Implementation_Through_Major_Strategic_Partnerships/…
inally, Bitlayer shared a recent article in which it announced the upcoming mainnet launch of the BitVM Bridge, a protocol enabling trust-minimized cross-chain Bitcoin transfers. Two testnet demos showed the system's robustness: one blocked a fraudulent reclaim, while the other defended a valid one. The protocol uses brokers and watchers to maintain security through a challenge-based mechanism: https://blog.bitlayer.org/showcasing_bitlayer_bitvm_bridge/
@AlpenLabs has introduced Zkaleido, a unified interface that lets developers write code once and run it across multiple zkVMs like SP1 by @SuccinctLabs and Risc0 by @RiscZero. It removes the need for duplicate implementations by standardizing input, output, and proof handling. Zkaleido streamlines benchmarking and development, aiming to simplify zkVM adoption and boost efficiency: https://x.com/AlpenLabs/status/1899881425735999683…
In addition, Alpen has named its platform’s execution layer “Alpen”, unifying its brand and marking progress toward making Bitcoin a foundation for financial applications. @Strata_BTC, its secure Bitcoin bridging protocol, will connect Alpen to Bitcoin. Alpen’s EVM-compatible environment allows developers to build non-custodial BTC apps. A public testnet launches in weeks, promising lower costs, faster transactions, and strong Bitcoin-native security: https://x.com/AlpenLabs/status/1907422200975765806
@MapProtocol published its Monthly Update: https://medium.com/@mapprotocolofficial/map-protocol-march-updates-4a6383cda2c0…
In summary, the update includes:
• BTC cross-chain infrastructure upgrade and XRP/Dogecoin testnet progress
• New affiliate fee deduction feature and cross-chain transaction limits
• Added support for @solana and @ton_blockchain interoperability
• Over 49,000 cross-chain transactions processed, totaling $96M+
• @ethereum and @BNBCHAIN led in volume with $37M and $26M respectively
• Partnership with @weRoamxyz to integrate cross-chain swaps into decentralized wireless
• Meme coin swaps now live on @ButterNetworkio, powered by MAP Protocol
MAP Protocol has also partnered with @BurritoWallet to expand its trustless cross-chain interoperability.
Now integrated into Burrito Wallet’s 280,000+ user platform, MAP Protocol’s Mainnet enables secure transfers of MAPO and MORC-20 tokens. With ZK-powered light-client verification, users gain seamless, decentralized access across 30+ blockchains, eliminating the need for centralized bridges in cross-chain transactions: https://medium.com/@mapprotocolofficial/burrito-wallet-partners-with-map-protocol-to-enhance-omnichain-interoperability-6b1c2d514ce6…
Finally, the project will upgrade its mainnet via the MAI Hard Fork on April 8, 2025, at block height 17,295,000. The update boosts performance and security, adds AI-powered gas optimization, and enhances EVM compatibility through several Ethereum Improvement Proposals. Node operators must update their software: https://x.com/MapProtocol/status/1906991619095883893
@BTC_OS has released BitSNARK v0.2, an open-source protocol allowing any computation to be verified directly on Bitcoin using ZKPs: https://blog.bitcoinos.build/blog/bos-open-sources-bitsnark-v0-2-go-verify-any-computation-on-bitcoin…
This version reduces transaction size and supports universal verification across virtual machines, enhancing scalability and developer flexibility. It includes a testnet demo and retains its two-party challenge system, with multi-party support in development. Applications include Bitcoin rollups, DeFi, and cross-chain asset bridging.
Additionally, they integrated the BOS Grail bridge with @ZekretProtocol, a regulated DeFi blockchain, to enable trustless BTC transfers between Bitcoin and Zekret’s compliance-focused network:
https://blog.bitcoinos.build/blog/zekret-links-regulated-defi-to-bitcoin-through-bos-grail-bridge-integration…
Using BitSNARK for cryptographic verification, the system ensures secure transactions. Zekret’s hybrid consensus - PoA, PoS, and PoW - balances decentralization with regulation, expanding Bitcoin’s access to compliant, institutional-grade decentralized finance.
@layeredge shared an article in which it detailed progress toward making Bitcoin the foundation for decentralized verification:
https://blog.layeredge.io/layeredge-the-road-to-mainnet-1cce79e7fc37…
Over the past year, they launched ZKP aggregation, a Bitcoin-based settlement module, and a verification testnet run by millions. Now preparing for mainnet, they’re introducing Proof of Humanity to ensure fairness, expanding integrations like @babylonlabs_io BSN, and preparing a token launch to reward contributors and secure the network’s growth.
In a recent article, @ayushbuidl, Co-founder & CEO at LayerEdge, talks about how a universal verification layer using ZKPs and proof aggregation can address blockchain’s inefficiencies: https://forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/03/11/why-business-leaders-should-care-about-a-verifiable-internet/… By leveraging Bitcoin’s security as a trust anchor, this model enables scalable, decentralized verification without centralization. Business leaders benefit from lower costs, stronger security, and new digital opportunities in finance, identity, and smart contracts.
@fiamma_labs has significantly improved Bitcoin bridging by reducing transaction sizes from 4MB to as little as 91KB through optimized ZKP verification: https://x.com/fiamma_labs/status/1900800573722816732…
This advancement removes the need for cooperation from large mining pools, lowering centralization risks and enabling trustless challenge execution in the BitVM2 bridge. By restructuring ZK verifiers to fit within standard Bitcoin block limits, Fiamma ensures more secure and censorship-resistant transactions.
@trackoor, Co-founder of @nubit_org on a new episode of @HouseofZK Radio, talked about scaling Bitcoin using native ZK-powered data availability, BitVM, and Goldinals — a trust-minimized Bitcoin token standard: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1906781279569539486…
He also discussed compiler design, stateless indexing, zkOracles, and Nubit's larger goal of building a more programmable, decentralized Bitcoin ecosystem.
@GOATRollup continued to make strides in their ecosystem deployment:
@avalonfinance_Launching its BTCFi product suite on GOAT Network, including BTC-backed stablecoins, lending, and a Bitcoin-powered credit card. The partnership aims to build a scalable and sustainable Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem: https://goat.network/blog/avalon-launches-on-goat-enabling-btc-backed-stablecoins-btc-borrow-lend-and-more…
@Lynx_Protocol: Deploying its gasless perpetuals trading platform on GOAT Network, enabling users to trade crypto and forex assets using any token as collateral, with sustainable liquidity provided via integration with @Goatswap_fi: https://goat.network/blog/lynx-perps-dex-joins-growing-stable-of-innovative-btcfi-dapps-on-goat-network…
@nudex_official: Kicking off a joint launch campaign with GOAT Network, offering bonuses and trading competitions for users participating in NuDEX’s Mainnet Closed Beta on GOAT. Rewards include a 3 USDT bonus, NuStars loyalty points, and a 50,000 USDT prize pool in the Galactic Trading Competition: https://goat.network/blog/nudex-launch-campaigns-on-goat-network-deposit-trade-earn-rewards…
In other news, @Waggle_GOATL2, Growth Lead at GOAT Network, joined @alicelingl in a Special Interview to talk about the project's vision and focus on pioneering sustainable Bitcoin yield generation, also sharing alpha on how users can get involved in the GOAT Alpha Mainnet and One Piece Project: https://x.com/HouseofZK/status/1907852470736634213
@citrea_xyz now supports the deployment of Bitcoin appchains using @celestia for data availability: https://x.com/citrea_xyz/status/1899476624426348640… With BlobstreamX by @SuccinctLabs, developers gain secure DA proofs. These appchains offer lower fees and higher transaction capacity. Citrea combines Bitcoin’s security with Celestia's scalability, eliminating the need for BitVM bridges. A custom OP Stack rollup guide is available for developers.
The project also shared an article in which it details how it reduces transaction fees while maintaining Bitcoin-level security: https://blog.citrea.xyz/citrea-fee-mechanism-bitcoin-security-at-scale/… By inscribing only state differences - rather than full transaction data - on Bitcoin, and applying compression methods like Brotli, Citrea lowers costs. The team uses statistical analysis to estimate each transaction’s real impact, offering fee discounts based on contribution. This model allows for efficient scaling without compromising decentralization or trust.
