Thursday, Oct. 3
Polyhedra’s ZK Prover, Expander, Tops Speed Rankings in First Results From ‘Proof Arena’
Polyhedra Network, a pioneering blockchain project focused on zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, has announced the release of initial data from its innovative benchmarking platform, known as Proof Arena. This platform is specifically designed to evaluate and compare various ZK provers, which are crucial for enhancing privacy and scalability in blockchain transactions. The released data offers insights into the performance of several notable provers, including Polyhedra’s own Expander, as well as those from Polygon, Linea, and StarkWare—namely Plonky3, GNARK, and Halo2.
The results from the benchmarking exercise are quite revealing. The Expander prover has been shown to excel significantly in terms of proof generation time and peak memory usage, making it a strong candidate for applications requiring speed and efficiency. Plonky3, on the other hand, has distinguished itself through outstanding performance in setup and verification times, which are critical for ensuring that the proofs can be validated quickly. Additionally, GNARK stands out with the smallest proof size, which can be advantageous for storage and transmission in decentralized applications. This comprehensive assessment provides a clearer picture of the strengths and weaknesses of each prover, facilitating informed choices for developers in the blockchain space.
Sui Claims First Among L1 Chains to Run Scion Architecture, Enhancing Defense Against Internet Routing Attacks
Sui, a cutting-edge blockchain built around the Move programming language for smart contracts, has made a significant advancement by becoming the first layer-1 blockchain to implement the Scion architecture. This upgrade marks a departure from the traditional and outdated Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), which has been susceptible to various types of internet routing attacks. The team behind Sui asserts that this transition to Scion provides robust defenses against such attacks, which have previously led to significant downtimes and security issues for other blockchain networks.
The Scion architecture enhances the resilience of Sui’s network by enabling validators to maintain consensus even during routing attacks, thereby improving epoch rewards for participants. Additionally, this infrastructure allows for fallback mechanisms between networks, ensuring that Sui remains operational and secure in the face of potential DDoS attacks or network hijacking incidents. Full nodes within the Sui ecosystem will also benefit from improved state synchronization, which can help avoid bottlenecks and delays in data processing. This innovative approach not only enhances Sui’s security profile but also positions it as a leader in the ongoing evolution of blockchain technology.
Polish Bank Pekao Partners With Aleph Zero to Launch ‘Archiv3,’ for Tokenizing Works by Nation’s Artists
In a remarkable development for cultural preservation and digital innovation, Bank Pekao S.A., Poland’s second-largest bank, has partnered with Aleph Zero to initiate a groundbreaking project called Archiv3. This initiative aims to tokenize and preserve significant Polish artworks, using Aleph Zero’s environmentally friendly blockchain technology. The project allows for the creation of digital reproductions of masterpieces from renowned artists like Jan Matejko and Stanisław Wyspiański, which are then minted as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and securely stored in the Arctic World Archive for long-term preservation.
The significance of this partnership lies in its dual focus on technological advancement and cultural heritage. By utilizing blockchain technology, the project ensures that these artworks are not only preserved but also accessible in a digital format that can be shared and appreciated globally. This innovative approach represents a fusion of art and technology, highlighting the potential for blockchain to play a pivotal role in safeguarding historical artifacts and promoting cultural diversity. As a result, Archiv3 could set a precedent for other institutions looking to harness the power of blockchain for similar purposes.
Digital-Asset Platform Taurus Collaborating With Chainlink Labs to Accelerate Tokenized Asset Adoption
Taurus, a leading digital asset platform specializing in the custody, issuance, and management of cryptocurrencies, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Chainlink Labs, a prominent blockchain oracle developer. This partnership aims to expedite the adoption of tokenized assets among financial institutions, a sector that is increasingly recognizing the potential of blockchain technology to transform traditional finance.
Through this collaboration, Taurus will leverage Chainlink’s suite of services to enhance tokenized assets with off-chain data, thereby improving their utility and market viability. Key integrations will include Chainlink Data Feeds, which provide real-time market data; Proof of Reserve, which assures users of the backing behind their tokens; and the Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), which facilitates seamless transactions across different blockchain networks. The overarching goal of this partnership is to accelerate the time-to-market for tokenized assets, increase liquidity, and bolster cross-chain security, ultimately paving the way for broader institutional adoption.
VC Firm Key Difference Labs Partners With Ethereum L2 List to Launch ‘Pioneer’ Incubator Program
Key Difference Labs, a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting innovative blockchain projects, has announced a partnership with Lisk, a layer-2 solution for Ethereum, to launch the Lisk Pioneer Program. This incubator program is designed to support new projects looking to build on the Lisk blockchain, providing them with essential resources and guidance to succeed in a competitive landscape.
The Lisk Pioneer Program offers a range of benefits to participating startups, including significant funding of $100,000 per project—capped at a total of 20 projects. In addition to financial support, the program provides mentorship from industry leaders with proven track records in blockchain development and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, participants will gain exposure through access to key events, marketing support, and networking opportunities that can enhance their visibility and connections within the industry. Over a four-month go-to-market process, startups will receive expert guidance on various aspects of their ventures, including tokenomics, capital raising strategies, partnership development, community growth, and exchange listings. This initiative represents a commitment to fostering innovation within the blockchain ecosystem and nurturing the next generation of transformative projects.
Protocol Village is a regular feature of The Protocol, our weekly newsletter exploring the tech behind crypto, one block at a time. Sign up here to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday. Project teams can submit updates here. For previous versions of Protocol Village, please go here.