The crypto-sphere is a realm of constant innovation and evolution. New technologies and projects are constantly sprouting up, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Among these new frontiers, one that has caught the attention of many crypto enthusiasts is the emergence of ZK-Rollup projects.
They offer a new level of scalability and security that is unmatched by traditional blockchain systems. In this blog post, we will delve deep into the Top 7 ZK Rollup projects and how they work.
What Are Zero-Knowledge Rollups?
Zero-Knowledge Rollups (ZK-Rollups) is a form of layer 2 scaling solution for blockchain technology. They allow for off-chain computation while maintaining on-chain security. This means that the bulk of the computation and data storage occurs off of the main blockchain. The final results are still recorded on the main blockchain for transparency and immutability.
One of the key features of ZK-Rollups is their use of zero-knowledge proofs. These allow for private transactions and increased scalability.
Additionally, ZK-Rollups also use a technique called “optimistic execution” which allows for transactions to be executed off-chain first and only be recorded on the main chain if there is a dispute. This reduces the number of on-chain transactions and thus reduces the “gas fees”.
Top 7 ZK Rollup Projects to Invest in 2023
Here is the list of the 7 Best ZK-Rollup projects in crypto to look into for 2023-
- Polygon (MATIC): Best Layer-2 crypto Coin
- Loopring (LRC): Best zk-Rollup Project
- Syscoin (SYS): Smart contract-based ZK-Rollup Coin
- ImmutableX (IMX): NFT-Based Coins
- Hermez Network (Polygon zkEVM): EVM Payment Protocol
- Dusk Network (DUSK): Enhanced Privacy using ZK
- Mina Protocol (MINA): Distributed payment system
1. Polygon (MATIC)
Current Market Capitalization: $10 billion
Polygon has launched its Ethereum virtual machine (EVM) on a zero-knowledge proof-based rollup (zk-rollup) testnet. It claims to be the first fully open-source and general-purpose zk-rollup.
DeFi platforms such as Aave and Uniswap, as well as the social platform Lens, are expected to test the testnet. They are already on Polygon’s PoS chain.
The zkEVM is designed to be “Ethereum-equivalent” meaning that all existing smart contracts, developer tools, and wallets built for Ethereum will work seamlessly on it.
The competition to create a functional EVM on a zk-rollup is increasing with this move by Polygon.
Must Read: Polygon vs Arbitrum: Which is better Investment
2. Loopring (LRC)
Current Market Capitalization: $420 million
Loopring is a protocol for building decentralized exchanges (DEXs) on Ethereum. It utilizes the latest advancements in blockchain technology, specifically zk-Rollups, to enable DEXs to have the benefits of centralized exchanges while maintaining their decentralized nature.
With Loopring, trades can be executed instantly and without additional fees. Additionally, users who supply liquidity to the DEX can add or remove it without incurring any additional costs on Layer 2.
By integrating zk-Rollup technology into DEX protocols, Loopring aims to lower transaction costs and improve liquidity for users. This provides a more efficient and user-friendly experience for all.
3. SysCoin (SYS)
Current Market Capitalization: $120 million
Syscoin (SYS) seeks to lead the market by being the first to provide a special mix of Layer 1 data availability and cross-chain, EVM-compatible ZK roll-up technology.
The platform’s primary goal is to utilize cross-chain ZK rollups as a Universal Automated Market Maker (AMM) to control trade and liquidity across several chains with the help of its unique ZK-Rollup deployment.
However, Syscoin plans to modify this technology in the future to work with Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machines, such as the solutions provided by initiatives like ZKSync2 or Polygon Hermez.
As a result, the platform will be able to provide a totally original and cutting-edge blockchain platform.
4. ImmutableX (IMX)
Current Market Capitalization: $510 million
ImmutableX is an Ethereum-based protocol for non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It allows for the creation and trading of digital assets on the Ethereum blockchain with minimal gas fees.
It uses a technique called zk-rollup, which allows for off-chain computation and on-chain verification. This reduces the gas costs associated with NFT transactions on the Ethereum network.
Startnet ZK-Rollup is a company that uses zk-rollup technology. It builds a layer 2 scaling solution for the Ethereum network.
It has partnered with ImmutableX to allow for the creation and trading of NFTs on its platform with low gas fees.
This partnership aims to make the NFT market more accessible to users by reducing the high transaction costs associated with trading NFTs on the Ethereum network.
5. Hermez Network (Polygon zkEVM)
Current Market Capitalization: $20 million
Hermez (HEZ) Network is currently bought by the Polygon blockchain team for enhancing the payment protocols on their Defi smart contracts. It is also known as Polygon zkEVM.
It is a payment protocol that uses zk-rollups technology to facilitate fast, low-cost transactions for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on the Ethereum network.
Hermez Network is also a sharded layer 2 solution with high throughput and low transaction fees.
6. Dusk Network (DUSK)
Dusk Network, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, was founded in 2018. It includes an improved consensus mechanism called Succinct Attestation that allows for instant transaction settlement in under 15 seconds.
This mechanism addresses the requirements of a distributed Financial Market Infrastructure (dFMI), which is not met by Bitcoin and Ethereum’s Proof-of-Work consensus.
Additionally, Dusk Network utilizes Zero-Knowledge technology for issuing tokens and privacy-preserving smart contracts, while following data protection laws and confidentiality agreements.
In order to facilitate transactions and atomic swaps, as well as smart contract deployment, DUSK tokens can serve as a useful utility token. Furthermore, they can be staked to participate in consensus and for exchange DUSK-denominated value.
7. Mina Protocol (MINA)
MINA Current Market Cap: $790 million
Mina is currently working on creating a distributed payment system. The platform will allow for the native verification of the blockchain from its genesis block. This is referred to as a “succinct blockchain” in Mina’s technical whitepaper.
To achieve this, the platform uses Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge (zk-SNARKs), cryptographic proofs that allow for authentication without revealing information.
In large networks, however, it may be impractical for users to trace the platform back to its genesis block. To address this issue, Mina uses an incremental computation of SNARKs that focuses solely on the most recent blocks.
This allows end-users to check the zk-SNARK-compressed proof for the last few blocks instead of the entire transaction history of a block.
How to Buy zk-Rollup Crypto Projects?
ZK-Rollup projects can be purchased on a variety of cryptocurrency exchanges. Some popular exchanges that offer trading in ZK-Rollup projects include:
- Binance – is one of the largest and most popular cryptocurrency exchanges, with a wide range of cryptocurrencies.
- Bybit – a leading exchange with a strong focus on security and user experience.
- Kucoin – a well-established exchange with a large selection of trading pairs.
Must Read: Bybit vs Kucoin: Which is best for Beginners?
Potential Benefits of ZK-Rollups
- Increased scalability: Zk rollups can increase the number of transactions per second on a blockchain by bundling multiple transactions into a single, compressed one.
- Reduced fees: They help reduce the fees associated with making transactions on a blockchain by eliminating the need for each transaction to be verified by all nodes on the network.
- Improved security: Zk rollups use zero-knowledge proofs to ensure that bundled transactions are valid, providing an additional layer of security.
- Greater privacy: It can hide the details of individual transactions, preserving user privacy.
- Interoperability: Zk rollups can allow for interoperability between different blockchain networks, making it easier for users to move assets between different platforms.
ZK-Rollup vs Optimistic Rollups
Zk-Rollup uses zk-SNARKs for privacy and scalability, while Optimistic Rollup uses a fraud-proof mechanism for scalability and off-chain computation.
| Feature | ZK-Rollup | Optimistic Rollup |
|---|---|---|
| Security | High | Medium |
| Scalability | High | High |
| Complexity | High | Medium |
| Speed | Medium | High |
| Cost | Medium | Low |
What are ZK-Snarks?
zk-SNARKs is a proof system that allows one party to prove to another that a certain statement is true, without revealing any information beyond the statement’s truth.
It uses advanced mathematics to ensure that the prover can’t cheat and the verifier can’t learn any information except the statement’s truth.
zk-SNARKs are used in various blockchain projects for privacy, low fees, and scalability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of cryptocurrency is constantly evolving and ZK-Rollup projects are at the forefront of this innovation.
These projects offer a range of benefits, including increased scalability and security, which make them a great choice for investors and traders looking to diversify their portfolios.
The five projects listed above are some of the best in the space and are worth considering as you plan your investments for 2023.
Remember, as with any investment, it is important to do your own research and make informed decisions.
Happy trading!
FAQs
What are the best ZK rollups?
ZK rollups are great for scaling Ethereum with low cost, high speed, and security. Some of the leading ZK rollup platforms are Polygon zkEVM, zkSync, StarkWare, Immutable X, and Loopring.
What coins use ZK rollups?
ZK rollups use zero-knowledge proofs to run Ethereum-compatible layer 2 networks. Some of the coins that leverage ZK-rollups are MATIC, LRC, MINA, DUSK, and Zcash.
Does polygon use ZK?
Polygon has ZK rollups as one of its EVM scaling options. Polygon zkEVM is a fully EVM-compatible solution that uses zero-knowledge proofs to cut gas fees and boost throughput.
What are the best ZK Rollup projects on Binance?
Some of the top ZK rollup projects on Binance are Loopring, Immutable X, Syscoin, Mute, and Hermez.
