Boundless (⟨c-43⟩) — is a decentralized protocol that allows the creation of zero-knowledge proofs (zero-knowledge, ZK) for various blockchains. It is designed to scale computations and improve interactions between different networks.
Universal ZK infrastructure ⟨c-51⟩ — provides verifiable computations using ZK for any blockchain, bypassing gas and block size limitations.
Proof-of-Verifiable-Work (PoVW) — incentivizes a decentralized network of proof providers to efficiently create these proofs, using ZKC as collateral and rewards.
Multichain orientation — separates the execution of computations from consensus, allowing developers to create applications that operate seamlessly across different ecosystems.
Boundless $ZKC solves the scalability problem of blockchains by offloading complex computations to a decentralized network of proof providers. These providers create ZK-proofs — cryptographic guarantees of the correctness of computations, which are verified on the blockchain with minimal costs. This allows blockchains to handle high-load tasks (e.g., risk modeling in DeFi or cross-chain bridges) without the need for re-executing transactions by nodes, which reduces the load on the network.
The protocol uses RISC-V zkVM (zero-knowledge virtual machine), developed by RISC Zero, which allows developers to write ZK-proofs in familiar programming languages like Rust. Key components:
- Steel: a ZK coprocessor for EVM chains, allowing computations that span multiple blocks (e.g., queries to historical states).
OP Kailua: an improvement of Optimistic Rollups with hybrid fraud proofs, reducing transaction finality times from several days to a few hours.
Providers compete to fulfill proof requests in an open market, receiving rewards based on the complexity and speed of proof generation (Boundless Docs).
Volume of ZKC: 1 billion tokens at launch, of which 20.09% are available in circulation at launch. Inflation starts at 7% per year and decreases to 3% by the 8th year.
Usage: providers stake ZKC as collateral to participate in PoVW; token holders receive rewards for delegating to providers.
Governance: token holders vote on protocol updates, fee structures, and resource allocation.
Boundless proposes using ZK-proofs as a foundational layer for scaling blockchains, creating a market where computations are verified rather than repeated. The success of the project depends on its adoption by rollups, DeFi protocols, and cross-chain infrastructure. #Boundless @Boundless
