Zilliqa

Zilliqa today announces that as part of a leadership transition following the recent departure of Matt Dyer as CEO, Alexander Zahnd has been appointed as interim CEO of the organisation.

Alex has served for three years as Chief Financial Officer at Zilliqa and is suitably placed to oversee this interim phase of Zilliqa’s operations as it transitions to a more flexible and performant network with the upcoming migration to Zilliqa 2.0.

Prior to his departure last month, former CEO Matt Dyer’s contributions to Zilliqa during a pivotal period, including the response to the X-Bridge security incident, were deeply appreciated across the organisation, and the team is grateful for his leadership and commitment.

“As we move forward, I am honored to guide Zilliqa through this interim phase, working closely with our talented team to ensure stability and continued progress as we advance toward the Zilliqa 2.0 upgrade,” said Alexander Zahnd, Zilliqa interim CEO. 

“Our focus remains on delivering value to our ecosystem and stakeholders, and we will keep the community updated as we define our long-term leadership strategy. Thank you for your ongoing support.”

Zilliqa’s primary focus remains the successful delivery of the enhanced Zilliqa 2.0 network, in line with our updated roadmap and development timeline. 

The Zilliqa technology team, led by Zoltan Fazekas, is working diligently to ensure a smooth and secure migration to the new and improved network. 

Regular updates on protocol development and testing will continue to be shared with the community.

Zilliqa remains committed to transparency, stability, and long-term value creation for our stakeholders. Thank you for your continued support as we enter this next phase of Zilliqa’s journey.

As we move deeper into 2025, the momentum around Zilliqa 2.0 continues to build. The upcoming launch of our new staking portal will mark one of the final milestones on the road to mainnet.

The shift to Proof-of-Stake on Zilliqa 2.0 is a crucial evolution, and we’re committed to ensuring as smooth a transition as possible. I encourage all ZIL holders and stakers to stay informed on how to migrate their tokens and take full advantage of the new staking model.

One of the most exciting moments of February for me was the launch of Front Runner: Racehorse Manager, an impressive new mobile and browser game by The Winners Circle that promises a new type of Web3 gaming experience powered by Zilliqa. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or a complete newcomer, I encourage you to try it out and compete for $HRSE.

Security remains a top priority, and our response to the X-Bridge exploit demonstrates our commitment to maintaining a durable and resilient network. We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we continuously work to strengthen our infrastructure and deliver more robust and accessible cross-chain infrastructure with Zilliqa 2.0.

Amidst a turbulent market, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of transformation and growth for Zilliqa as we maintain our course to deliver a new, flexible and easy-to-use network with Zilliqa 2.0. 

I’m grateful for the continued dedication of our team and community in making it happen.

Matt DyerZilliqa CEO

Here are the highlights from the Zilliqa ecosystem for February 2025.

Prepare for Proof-of-Stake on Zilliqa 2.0

The Zilliqa team has been hard at work on a new staking portal, implementing delegation contracts for validators, as well as working on documentation to aid new validators with onboarding onto Zilliqa 2.0.

In the coming month, we expect to launch the Zilliqa 2.0 staking portal on proto-mainnet for users to try out. Most importantly, with the launch of Zilliqa 2.0, users will need to migrate their ZIL manually from their old staking nodes to be delegated to new validators’ staking contracts.

The development of the staking portal and staking-related contracts for Zilliqa 2.0 has been a core focus of the team this past month, and we aim to roll this out for public testing in the near future.

To learn more about how staking will change with Zilliqa 2.0, read our recent blog post.

The Winners Circle launches Front Runner: Racehorse Manager

The Winners Circle has officially launched the alpha version of Front Runner: Racehorse Manager, a strategy-based horse racing game available on mobile and browser.

This free-to-play game lets you build, breed, train, and trade racehorses to create a dominant racing empire. 

Compete against friends and other managers while earning real-world rewards. With an intuitive interface and seamless gameplay, Front Runner brings the thrill of horse racing to Web3.

Check out the trailer below:

This release is a teaser version of the game. It will be continuously updated with new features and functionality ahead of its full release, scheduled for Summer 2025.

Want to try it out? Play for free now at frontrunnergame.com.

X-Bridge exploit and mitigation

Implemented for compatibility with the legacy Zilliqa network as a result of ZilBridge being decommissioned, X-Bridge was recently extended to allow bridging of tokens formerly listed on ZilBridge to supported networks ahead of its migration to the robust cross-chain infrastructure introduced in Zilliqa 2.0.

On February 6, 2025, our security team identified an exploit in X-Bridge that stemmed from a vulnerability in newly introduced zETH and zBNB token manager contracts. This allowed an attacker to mint Zilliqa-bridged versions of ETH and BNB without locking the corresponding amount.

In response, we implemented several security measures, including upgrading X-Bridge contracts to enforce stricter balance checks before minting bridged assets.

X-Bridge has been brought back online in a limited capacity, and we want to share our appreciation for the community’s patience and support as we continue strengthening the network.

Read more in our blog post.

AMAs and ecosystem news

This past month, we fielded questions from the Zilliqa community about Zilliqa 2.0, answering all their questions about everything from privacy on x-shards to unstaking ZIL. Read through our answers in this X thread.

PlunderSwap also launched Plunder Points in February! If you've been trading or providing liquidity on PlunderSwap, or holding ZILnames, you’ve been accumulating Plunder Points, which will be redeemable for PlunderSwap’s upcoming $LOOT token.

We were also excited to see some good news for $ZIL on exchanges last month, with the $ZIL-USD pair going live on Binance US and $ZIL being part of MEXC’s 0 Fees event!

Stay up to date with the latest news by following us on X and subscribing to the Zilliqa blog.

On February 6, 2025, Zilliqa identified an exploit on X-Bridge that leveraged a vulnerability in one of the platform’s recently introduced token manager contracts. 

This exploit enabled the attacker to mint the Zilliqa-bridged versions of native currencies on Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain (BSC) without locking the corresponding amount of assets on these networks.

Through this vulnerability, the attacker generated 531 Zilliqa-bridged ETH (zETH) and 2.2133 Zilliqa-bridged BNB (zBNB). The following transactions were executed following this breach:

123.116 zETH was bridged back through X-Bridge to the Ethereum network.

2.2133 zBNB was bridged back through X-Bridge to BSC.

The attacker sold 140.3780 zETH on ZilSwap for USDT $42,000 and 0.0718 zWBTC, which was subsequently bridged back to Ethereum and liquidated.

Upon discovery of this exploit, Zilliqa took immediate action to mitigate further risks:

The bridge relayer was shut down and all related token manager contracts were paused.

Switcheo, the operator of ZilSwap, was promptly notified of the issue affecting its zETH pool.

Zilliqa issued a public notice announcing the exploit and warned users against trading zETH on ZilSwap. A security warning was also issued via the X-Bridge UI.

Switcheo disabled zETH pools on ZilSwap.

Corrective actions and mitigation

Zilliqa is implementing a number of corrective actions to bring X-Bridge securely back online and mitigate the effect of the exploited zETH and zBNB contracts.

Firstly, the affected zETH token will be deprecated, and a new zETH token will be deployed, retaining legitimate token balances as of Zilliqa mainnet block number 4465720 (generated at 08:49 on February 18, 2025) while removing the invalid tokens associated with the attacker.

This means that those who didn’t participate in the attack, and who didn’t buy zETH after the announcement of the incident (published at 22:48 on February 6, 2025) will not be affected, as their new zETH token balance will be prepopulated with their old zETH balance at this block number.

Those who purchased zETH after the exploit occurred but before the issue with the zETH pool on ZilSwap was announced (published at 00:06 on February 7, 2025) should reach out to the Zilliqa team via [email protected] with their transaction details if there is an issue with their zETH balance.

Operating X-Bridge in a restricted capacity

Implemented for compatibility with the legacy Zilliqa network as a result of ZilBridge being decommissioned, X-Bridge was extended to allow bridging of tokens formerly listed on ZilBridge to supported networks ahead of its migration to the robust cross-chain infrastructure introduced in Zilliqa 2.0.

Following this exploit, the affected X-Bridge contracts will be upgraded to enforce stricter balance checks before minting bridged assets, preventing unauthorised token creation.

In the short term, X-Bridge will be brought back online in a limited capacity, operating under restrictions to ensure the security and reliability of the infrastructure. 

This means it may take some time for bridge transactions to be processed, and users should expect delays as we work to restore full functionality in a secure environment. A small number of legitimate X-Bridge transactions are currently stuck and have not been processed. These will be processed once X-Bridge returns to operation.

We expect X-Bridge to resume operation in the near future, and we will notify users once the platform is reactivated.

Zilliqa remains committed to the security and integrity of its ecosystem. We appreciate the patience and support of our community as we work to mitigate the effect of this exploit and ensure robust protection against any future vulnerabilities.

For further updates on the return of X-Bridge to limited operations, please stay tuned to our official channels and follow us on X.

As we take our first steps into an already eventful and exciting year, Zilliqa is on the brink of a transformative shift. The mainnet launch of Zilliqa 2.0 is squarely in our sights, and I can’t wait to see the community and industry start engaging with the new, scalable blockchain we’ve been developing once mainnet goes live.

Zilliqa 2.0 will bring a totally new consensus secured by Proof-of-Stake, and I encourage all ZIL holders and stakers to look out for our guides on how to migrate your staked ZIL to the network, as well as updates on the tangible opportunities this change will bring for delegators and validators alike.

Beyond our focus on Zilliqa 2.0, AI is shaping up to be a hot topic in 2025, and we have already laid the groundwork for a healthy and exciting ecosystem of AI-powered agents and dApps on our network.

While the start of February has been eventful from the perspective of the wider crypto market, I am grateful to the entire Zilliqa team and community for your hard work and continued support, and I look forward to the rebirth of Zilliqa this year.

- Matt DyerZilliqa CEO

Check out all the highlights from the Zilliqa ecosystem for January 2025:

Big staking changes are coming with Zilliqa 2.0

With the mainnet launch of Zilliqa 2.0 on the horizon and approaching fast, it is important to understand how staking will be changing with the switch over to the new network.

SSNs will be replaced by a full Proof-of-Stake system that is more efficient and decentralised. Under this new system, stakers play an active role in network security and should make a considered decision around which validator to delegate their stake to.

As we near mainnet launch, we will be sharing step-by-step guides on migrating your staked ZIL to validators on the new network, as well as how to join Zilliqa 2.0 as a validator.

For a full breakdown on how staking is changing in Zilliqa 2.0, read our recent blog post.

Learn more about Proof-of-Stake consensus.

AI agents have arrived on Zilliqa

January was a busy month for the AI space, and Zilliqa has been right there in the mix with other major networks in unlocking tools for AI agents and developers.

We announced that GOAT (Great Onchain Agent Toolkit), the first open-source framework for connecting AI agents to on-chain applications, now supports both EVM and Scilla wallets on the Zilliqa network.

That means developers who use GOAT in their AI applications will have built-in support for direct interactions with the Zilliqa network, along with a host of other supported blockchains.

More exciting AI news from January was the announcement that ElizaOS now supports the Zilliqa blockchain, allowing developers building on ElizaOS to support Zilliqa transactions and applications alongside other major blockchain networks.

A couple of AI agents have already made their home in the Zilliqa community, with @AvaStallion and @tacocatonZIL generating a buzz in the ecosystem.

Completed migration of ZilBridge to X-Bridge

January saw the migration from ZilBridge to X-Bridge completed, with all supported token pairs moved over the new EVM-native platform.

That means ZIL holders can now transfer tokens seamlessly between Zilliqa and supported networks using their EVM wallet on xbridge.zilliqa.com.

Read more about the migration from ZilBridge to X-Bridge.

AMAs and partnerships

The Winners Circle, the fan loyalty programme founded by Racing League and powered by Zilliqa,  held an AMA on the future of its $HRSE token, exploring everything from the token’s growing utility to an upcoming new game. 

Listen to the full AMA session.

January also saw Zilliqa announce a new partnership with Request Finance, with the goal of offering businesses operating on the scalable and easy-to-use Zilliqa network a more efficient way to manage financial operations with both crypto and fiat currencies.

An exciting year ahead

With the mainnet launch of Zilliqa 2.0 fast approaching, our team is focused on finalising the proto-mainnet to ensure a seamless transition with the launch of Agate. 

This upgrade will bring enhanced performance, security, and efficiency to the network, setting the stage for the next phase of Zilliqa’s evolution.

Learn more about Zilliqa 2.0 and the upcoming releases on the roadmap website. 

As we look to the year ahead, the team will be sure to be heading to major industry events and connecting with others in the blockchain industry. We’ll share details about upcoming events on our socials, so stay tuned!

Stay up to date with the latest news by following us on X and subscribing to the Zilliqa blog.

With the upcoming rollout of the new Zilliqa 2.0 network, significant changes are coming to how staking works.

With Zilliqa 2.0, we are introducing a permissionless delegated Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism for validator selection. This transition will reshape the way staking functions on the Zilliqa network, enhancing security, decentralisation, and efficiency.

The move to Proof-of-Stake with Zilliqa 2.0 is a fundamental shift in the architecture of the blockchain that will improve transaction throughput, reduce operational costs, and create a more energy-efficient and decentralised network. 

To learn more about Proof-of-Stake, read our previous blog post.

With this transformation, the way users stake their ZIL tokens and earn rewards will also be updated to align with the new consensus mechanism.

How staking currently works on Zilliqa

Staking was introduced to the current Zilliqa network to incentivise Staked Seed Nodes (SSNs), which serve as archive nodes and maintain a historical record of transactions. They also offer API access and receive a share of block rewards in return for their services.

Staked Seed Nodes (SSNs) must stake a minimum of 10 million ZIL to be eligible for staking rewards. A verifier mechanism probes the individual SSNs' availability and calculates their rewards according to their performance. ZIL holders have the option to delegate their tokens to an SSN, and earn a share of the rewards generated by that SSN. Delegators can withdraw their stake at any time, and if the withdrawn ZIL amount leads to that SSN’s stake falling below the required minimum, that node stops earning rewards.

When a delegator withdraws their stake, there is a 14-day unbonding period before their tokens are unlocked. This period will be retained on Zilliqa 2.0 and can be changed by decentralised governance vote.

This legacy staking system is permissioned, with SSNs needing to be registered with the SSNList smart contract, controlled by the Zilliqa  team, to be eligible for rewards.

ZIL holders can delegate their ZIL to SSNs through Zillion, the staking interface available at stake.zilliqa.com which provides information on active SSNs and allows users to claim their rewards.

This legacy staking mechanism has been integrated with a number of exchanges and wallets in the Zilliqa ecosystem, with apps like Torch Wallet building on this system to offer tools such as instant unstaking and reputation.

Other examples of innovative tools built on Zilliqa’s current staking mechanism include the first liquid staking launched on the network, stZIL, which delegators can receive by staking through Avely Finance.

Learn more about Staked Seed Nodes (SSNs).

With the launch of Zilliqa 2.0, the network will adopt a permissionless, more decentralised Proof-of-Stake system where staked ZIL actually plays a role in securing the network.

Staking on Zilliqa 2.0 

To improve transaction throughput, finality, operational costs, and energy efficiency, Zilliqa 2.0 shifts its consensus model from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS).

Instead of being secured by a network of PoW nodes performing expensive computations on hardware that consumes vast amounts of energy, validators on Zilliqa 2.0 are PoS nodes that emerge from the existing Staked Seed Nodes (SSNs), who stake ZIL as collateral to secure the network.

Rewards will be distributed amongst validators on a per-block basis proportional to their stake but depending on their performance, providing them with an incentive to maintain network security and efficiency.

50% of the epoch rewards (51,000 ZIL per 3,600 blocks) are distributed among the validators based on how many blocks they proposed. If they together manage to propose 3,600 blocks in an hour (maintaining a one-second average block time) they will earn 51,000 ZIL in an hour. If the block time increases, validators will need to work longer for the same 51,000 ZIL.

The other 50% of the epoch reward is distributed among validators based on how many times they voted for a block proposal, allocated to the fastest two-thirds of validators weighted by stake.

Zilliqa 2.0’s staking model consists of a permissionless system with two layers. The deposit contract acts as a system contract that enables anyone with the minimum stake to become a validator. 

Delegation contracts interact with the deposit contract and can be deployed by validators to receive delegated stake. Validators which do run a staking pool to accept delegated ZIL are referred to as solo stakers.

We have created two reference delegation contracts: a non-liquid staking variant that allows delegators to withdraw rewards manually and a liquid staking variant that issues a non-rebasing liquid staking token whose increasing price reflects accrued rewards. These contracts have been developed in Solidity and will be audited before being made publicly available.

This means that ZIL holders will still be able to delegate their tokens to validators and earn a proportional share of the rewards for helping to secure the network. While rewards can be claimed immediately, withdrawals and validator switching will be subject to an unbonding period to maintain network stability.

This unbonding period is crucial to the security of the protocol, as it prevents validators from withdrawing their stake before they are punished for misbehaving. There are two penalties introduced for dealing with bad validators in Zilliqa 2.0: slashing stake for safety violations (equivocation) and jailing for liveness violations (missing blocks).

To facilitate the transition to Proof-of-Stake with Zilliqa 2.0, a staking portal will be introduced to the Zilliqa website, providing an easy way for ZIL holders to delegate their ZIL to listed validators. 

Next steps for stakers and validators

Once Zilliqa 2.0 is live on mainnet, new PoS validators and SSN operators will need to set up and operate a node on the new Zilliqa 2.0 network and stake the minimum amount of ZIL to the deposit contract to join as a validator. 

These node operators can then deploy delegation contracts to enable ZIL holders to stake ZIL through their node. The Zilliqa team will provide reference contracts and guidance for easy deployment.

Users who have delegated ZIL through SSNs will also need to manually move their stake to the new staking contracts once the mainnet migration is completed. 

The upcoming EVM staking portal will ensure a seamless transition, making it easier for users to delegate and manage their stake within the upgraded ecosystem.

All the systems above will first be available on the Zilliqa 2.0 proto-mainnet, giving ZIL holders and validators the chance to test out the process of migrating their staked ZIL and running a validator node on the new network.

We will shortly be publishing a full guide on how to move your staked ZIL to Zilliqa 2.0, so stay tuned to our blog and socials for the latest updates!

We are excited to announce a major milestone in the evolution of blockchain and AI integration—ElizaOS now supports the Zilliqa blockchain. 

Through the successful integration of the Zilliqa plugin, AI agents built using the ai16z Eliza framework can now interact with the Zilliqa blockchain, marking a new chapter in the intersection of decentralised technology and intelligent automation.

The open-source project now includes a plugin for integrating blockchain capabilities through the GOAT (Great Onchain Agent Toolkit) framework within the ElizaOS ecosystem, which supports on-chain actions on the Zilliqa network.

Developed by Crossmint, GOAT simplifies the process for developers to build AI-driven applications that seamlessly interact with blockchain networks.

Read more about GOAT support for Zilliqa wallets in our previous blog post.

This integration bridges Zilliqa’s blockchain capabilities with the ElizaOS framework, offering essential services for both automated and user-driven blockchain interactions. Developers building on ElizaOS can now support Zilliqa transactions and applications alongside other major blockchain networks, creating an interoperable environment for diverse use cases.

The initial implementation equips Zilliqa’s AI agents, such as Avastallion and Tacocat, with the ability to execute fundamental blockchain operations such as sending ZIL tokens and checking balances. Future iterations will extend this functionality to include plugins for DeFi protocols, trading, and portfolio management, further cementing ElizaOS and other AI agents as a gateway to opening up the blockchain-powered future of DeFAI.

Zilliqa is at the cutting edge of blockchain development, with the upcoming Zilliqa 2.0 network designed to make Web3 as easy to use as the internet. This philosophy aligns with the integration of Zilliqa with AI agent frameworks like ElizaOS, as these tools have many exciting use cases which make it easier to interact with everything from DeFi apps to multi-signature wallets, abstracting away the complexity of Web3 while keeping the powerful functionality.

An interoperable ecosystem through AI agents

The landscape of Web3 is changing quickly with the advent of AI. Where before the user experience was the biggest hurdle for onboarding everyday users into the crypto space, AI agents can make complex operations easy, and simple operations trivial.

This opens the door to an interoperable future of blockchain applications with access facilitated by AI agents, bridging the users and applications of Zilliqa to an increasingly connected ecosystem of interoperable networks through AI frontends. Early AI agents operating in the Zilliqa ecosystem are already building dedicated followings and creating engagement, such as AVA Stallion, the sports betting AI agent that leverages the $HRSE fan loyalty token for The Winners Circle.

As more platforms and tools are supported by these frameworks, the onchain actions supported by AI agents will continue to grow, including adding support for bridging protocols, decentralised exchanges, and more.

This will effectively allow these agents to act as a frontend for facilitating blockchain interoperability, removing the need to manually navigate siloed applications and instead making it smooth and easy to move assets across networks with simple chat commands.As the landscape of Web3 continues to evolve, the combination of AI agents and interoperable blockchain networks like Zilliqa is poised to redefine the way users engage with decentralised technologies, unlocking seamless access to a connected, intelligent ecosystem.

To learn more about ElizaOS and to start building your own AI agent with support for onchain actions on Zilliqa, check out the project on GitHub.

You might have heard that the next evolution of the Zilliqa network, Zilliqa 2.0, will feature a new “Proof-of-Stake” (PoS) consensus mechanism, marking a significant shift for the protocol. 

This move is poised to deliver more efficient transaction processing, reduced energy consumption, and faster confirmation times for the network.

But what exactly is Proof-of-Stake, and why is it a game-changer for Zilliqa 2.0?

Blockchain Consensus Explained

At the core of every blockchain protocol is a consensus mechanism, a process that ensures all participants in the network agree on the state of the blockchain. 

This is crucial because blockchains are decentralised, meaning there isn’t a single central authority that decides the ordering of transactions. Instead, the network must collectively validate transactions and decide on the correct state of the distributed ledger.

Blockchains can use several types of consensus mechanisms, with the most well-known being Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS). 

Proof-of-Work is used by the Bitcoin blockchain and relies on miners solving complex mathematical puzzles to get the chance to propose a block of transactions, which consumes a lot of energy and computing power. The difficulty of the puzzles adjusts dynamically to ensure that new blocks are added to the blockchain at a consistent rate.

Proof-of-Stake, on the other hand, uses a different approach where validators “stake” their crypto to be selected as the proposer of the next block that extends and confirms the transaction history. This method is far less resource-heavy and more energy efficient, making it increasingly popular among newer blockchains.

Zilliqa’s current consensus mechanism combines PoW for selecting a validator set every epoch and practical byzantine fault tolerance (PBFT) for consensus. With the migration to Zilliqa 2.0, PBFT will be replaced with Pipelined Fast-HotStuff to enable shorter block times and faster finality.

The network will replace the Proof-of-Work validator selection with a Proof-of-Stake mechanism that is more energy efficient and offers users a way to earn rewards for securing the blockchain.

How Proof-of-Stake Works

In a PoS system, validators are chosen to propose and verify transactions based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold and are willing to "stake" as collateral. 

This is akin to having a financial stake in the system. The more tokens a validator stakes, the higher their chances of being selected to propose the next block of transactions. 

The process is straightforward: validators are incentivised to act honestly because they can lose part or all of their staked tokens if they try to cheat the system. If a validator proposes a block or validates and votes for another validator’s proposal, they earn a reward, typically in the form of additional tokens. 

This method is more energy-efficient than PoW because it doesn’t require extensive computational work. Instead, it uses the economic investment of validators to secure the network, making it a greener and cheaper option.

Sustainable Rewards for Validators

Under Proof-of-Stake, validators are rewarded for their role in securing the network and ensuring its continued reliability.

Validators must lock up a significant amount of tokens, which make it extremely costly for an attacker to compromise the network. If a validator tries to propose or approve fraudulent blocks, they risk losing their staked tokens, which serves as a powerful deterrent against malicious behaviour.

While validators are required to lock up a minimum amount of tokens, users can also contribute to the security of the network by delegating their tokens to be staked by the validator on their behalf. This allows any user to participate in staking by delegating their stake through a validator and earning a proportional share of the rewards earned by that validator. These validators generally take a small commission fee on the rewards returned to delegators for staking their ZIL.

Through delegated staking, everyday token holders and end-users can contribute to the security of a Proof-of-Stake network and earn a share of the rewards.

The rewards allocated to validators are commonly called “staking rewards”, and they may come from transaction fees, newly minted tokens, or both. The key to ensuring a healthy network of validator nodes and token economy is a sustainable model for rewards, which is a key component of the tokenomics for Zilliqa 2.0.

By adjusting staking rewards based on network conditions, Zilliqa aims to maintain a balance between rewarding validators and reducing the inflation of the ZIL token. This is part of the broader overhaul of Zilliqa 2.0’s tokenomics, designed to support the network's growth and stability.

Proof-of-Stake is not just a buzzword - it’s a critical innovation in blockchain technology that enables faster, more efficient, and more sustainable networks. As we transition to Proof-of-Stake with Zilliqa 2.0, the network is set to become more robust and scalable, offering new opportunities for validators and users alike. 

Read more about how the Proof-of-Stake consensus works on Zilliqa 2.0 on the roadmap website.

In our next piece, we’ll dive deeper into how PoS will be implemented on Zilliqa 2.0 and what it means for current node operators. Stay tuned to our blog and socials!

We are excited to share that GOAT (Great Onchain Agent Toolkit), the first open-source framework for connecting AI agents to on-chain applications, now supports both EVM wallets (like MetaMask) and Scilla wallets on the Zilliqa network.

Developed by Crossmint, GOAT simplifies the process for developers to build AI-driven applications that seamlessly interact with blockchain networks.

For today’s app developers, integrating AI agents with blockchain apps across various frameworks, languages, chains, and wallet architectures can be a complex and time-consuming process. Tackling this complexity hinders innovation and slows down the adoption of AI-powered decentralised applications.

GOAT eliminates these barriers. By providing a unified library of on-chain actions, ready to be deployed in five agent frameworks across multiple languages, GOAT transforms a tedious, fragmented process into a streamlined, efficient workflow.

Through the addition of its support for Zilliqa, developers who use GOAT in their AI applications will have built-in support for direct interactions with the Zilliqa network, along with a host of other supported blockchains.

By integrating with GOAT, Zilliqa reinforces its commitment to fostering an open, composable ecosystem that reduces barriers to entry and empowers developers to innovate freely. GOAT is framework-agnostic, making it perfectly aligned with Zilliqa’s ethos towards layer-1 blockchain development.

To get started building with GOAT, visit the project’s GitHub repository.

Driving cross-chain opportunities with AI agents

GOAT’s compatibility with five leading agent frameworks and over 30 blockchains—now including Zilliqa—positions the platform as a powerful driver of cross-chain interoperability. This unlocks new value for the Zilliqa ecosystem by empowering developers to easily create AI-driven dApps with broad reach and functionality.

By supporting all wallet types, from basic key pairs to advanced smart wallets, GOAT ensures seamless access for developers and users alike, allowing Zilliqa to join the many other networks making themselves more accessible to developers and apps through integration with AI agent toolkits.

The integration of Zilliqa with GOAT positions Zilliqa as part of a larger interoperable ecosystem, drastically increasing the reach of Zilliqa-powered applications.

The addition of GOAT also enhances Zilliqa’s developer appeal, encouraging cross-chain dApp innovation and boosting adoption of the network’s unique features like high throughput and cost efficiency.

By simplifying blockchain interactions for developers and seamlessly connecting with multiple chains and wallet architectures, the integration GOAT accelerates the creation of innovative AI-powered dApps within the Zilliqa ecosystem.

With the mainnet launch of Zilliqa 2.0 on the horizon and increasing interest in AI agent applications in the blockchain space, it is an exciting time for the Zilliqa ecosystem! We can’t wait to see how developers leverage the new network’s features such as x-shards to deploy AI agent apps built for specific needs.

To get started building AI agents that interact with Zilliqa using GOAT, head to the project’s GitHub.

For the latest Zilliqa news and updates, follow us on X and subscribe to the Zilliqa blog.

Singapore, 8 January 2025 – Zilliqa has announced a strategic partnership with Request Finance, a comprehensive financial platform for businesses. 

This partnership aims to offer businesses operating on the scalable and easy-to-use Zilliqa network a more efficient way to manage financial operations with both crypto and fiat currencies.

Through this collaboration, Request Finance and Zilliqa will help companies on the Zilliqa platform improve and simplify their financial processes, including:

Accounts Payable & Receivable: Easily managing crypto and fiat payments and invoices.

Payroll & Bonuses: Paying salaries and bonuses across borders.

Expense Management: Tracking and managing company expenses.

Software Integration: Connecting with existing accounting and customer management systems.

Businesses referred by Zilliqa will receive a 10-week free trial of Request Finance’s platform, providing a hands-on way to improve finance management.

Zilliqa’s fast and scalable platform, powered by sharding technology, complements Request Finance’s platform. Together, they offer a strong solution for managing operations, helping companies scale efficiently and stay compliant.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Zilliqa CEO Matt Dyer, said:

"The partnership with Request Finance represents a major milestone for companies building on Zilliqa, particularly for dApps seeking to streamline their financial operations."

Also commenting, Request Finance CEO and co-founder Chris Lassyut, added:

"This partnership helps businesses take advantage of Zilliqa’s scalability while integrating it with Request Finance’s financial software, creating a better experience for modern CFOs and Web3 companies." 

This partnership marks the start of a new chapter for both companies, with a focus on innovation and efficient solutions for Web3 businesses. Stay tuned for more updates as the partnership evolves.

About Zilliqa

Zilliqa is the industry-recognized layer-1 blockchain founded in Singapore in 2018. The next evolution of the network, Zilliqa 2.0, offers a user-centric and customizable infrastructure designed to drive the mass adoption of Web3. The platform has a native cryptocurrency, $ZIL, used for transactions and $gZIL for governance.

For more information, visit: Zilliqa.

About Request Finance

Request Finance is a platform that simplifies financial management for businesses. It handles accounts payable and receivable, payroll, and expenses, supporting both crypto and fiat transactions, and integrates with existing accounting systems.

For more information, visit: Request Finance.

As we close out 2024, I’m thrilled to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made this year. This month, we marked a major milestone with the launch of Aventurine, the proto-testnet and proto-mainnet that will serve as a critical foundation for our journey toward Zilliqa 2.0.

Aventurine is all about ensuring a smooth and successful transition to Agate, allowing developers to test their dApps and prepare for the mainnet launch of the new Zilliqa 2.0 blockchain. 

As we prepare for this next leap, I want to thank our community for their continued support, vision, and trust. We can’t wait to share what’s next for Zilliqa in 2025.- Matt DyerZilliqa CEO

Check out all the highlights from the Zilliqa ecosystem for December 2024:

Aventurine release for Zilliqa 2.0 launched

We’ve successfully deployed the Aventurine proto-testnet and proto-mainnet, marking the final major milestone before Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet launch. Aventurine serves as a powerful testbed for developers to explore new features before the full mainnet release.

To learn more about what’s new in this release and how it enables extensive testing prior to mainnet release of the new Zilliqa 2.0 network, read our post on the Zilliqa blog. The foundation of Zilliqa 2.0’s approach to interoperability has already been laid by a partnership with Wanchain to bridge the Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet with Cardano. 

Catch our Ecosystem Talks session with House of Chimera for more discussion around Aventurine, or read the recap.

Preparing for Zilliqa 2.0 Mainnet

Now that Aventurine is live, this testing phase is critical ahead of the mainnet launch of the new Zilliqa 2.0 protocol. The full mainnet release—Agate—is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025 as we have extended the Aventurine phase to allow for the critical testing required to facilitate this transition. 

This gives development teams the time they need to test their applications and ensure they run smoothly on the new protocol before they are switched over to Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet.

Many validators have already begun onboarding, as shown by Zilliqa’s recent partnership with LSP, a staking project with major reach in Asia.

Read more about the road to Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet.

Empowering gZIL holders to grow the Zilliqa ecosystem

gZIL holders successfully passed a vote to form the gZIL Collective Committee, whose members are elected by gZIL holders and facilitate the allocation of community funds to Zilliqa ecosystem projects.

The gZIL Collective Committee will let $gZIL holders decide how to use surplus $ZIL from the recent mining reward halving. These funds will go toward innovative projects, community initiatives, and ecosystem growth. 

Read the full proposal here.

For more information on the allocation of surplus rewards to be managed by gZIL holders, read our previous blog post.If you’ve got a great idea for a project to build on Zilliqa, get your proposal ready to apply for community-driven funding!

Partnering with Brillion on unlocking Web3 for all

Zilliqa has partnered with Brillion to bridge real-world assets (RWAs) and DeFi with Zilliqa’s powerful new Zilliqa 2.0 Layer-1 blockchain. 

This partnership will enable cross-chain innovation and drive Web3 mass adoption, scaling innovation, enabling cross-chain connectivity, and bringing real-world assets closer to blockchain utility.

Listen to our joint X Spaces with Brillion for more info.

Looking ahead to 2025

The Zilliqa team attended ETH Riyadh from December 1-3, where Anton spoke about the exciting opportunities unlocked by Zilliqa 2.0 and its ability to plug into the EVM ecosystem. 

This event closed out the busy 2024 calendar for Zilliqa, with the team’s attention now squarely aimed at delivering Agate, the mainnet release of the Zilliqa 2.0 blockchain in the first quarter of next year.

We wish our community a happy festive season and look forward to building a better blockchain future together in 2025!

Stay connected with us on Twitter and the Zilliqa Blog for all the latest updates.

ZilBridge, the original ecosystem bridge that enabled seamless token transfers between Zilliqa and supported EVM networks, will be officially migrated to X-Bridge following the closure of Poly Network. 

This marks an important update for the Zilliqa ecosystem and its users, with this migration scheduled to take place on December 23, 2024. This migration will take some time, and X-Bridge functionality may be unavailable for an extended period while this migration is completed.

ZilBridge was powered by Carbon and Poly Network, providing a straightforward way to bridge tokens between Zilliqa and other networks. However, with Poly Network ceasing operations, as outlined in this announcement, the transition to a new solution is essential to ensure continued bridging functionality.

X-Bridge is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) bi-directional bridge designed for transferring tokens between Zilliqa and other EVM-compatible networks. Migrating to this bridge is a strategic decision that aligns with Zilliqa 2.0’s approach to fostering interoperability, as X-Bridge operates on top of Zilliqa 2.0’s native cross-chain broker (UCCB) protocol.

Unlike ZilBridge, X-Bridge requires the user to use an EVM wallet, such as MetaMask, for bridging operations.

While ZilBridge is migrating to X-Bridge, the ZilSwap DEX operated by Carbon is still available and will continue to operate, facilitating the seamless exchange of tokens on the Zilliqa network.

It is also important to note that if any users have ZIL tokens on Demex, they should withdraw these before December 23, 2024, as this platform will be deprecating ZIL deposits and withdrawals due to the termination of Poly Network services.

Key updates for users

Here’s what is changing:

ZilBridge will no longer be operational. The service will be fully replaced by X-Bridge at xbridge.zilliqa.com.

Tokens will be migrated to X-Bridge. The same networks and tokens previously available at ZilBridge will be available on X-Bridge. However, note that zBSC and wrapped ZIL on BSC will take additional time to become available.

To use X-Bridge, users must transfer their tokens to and connect to the platform with an EVM wallet (e.g., MetaMask). It’s critical that users ensure they control the recipient wallet, as tokens sent to wallets they don’t control cannot be recovered. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure they send tokens to the correct destination address.

For detailed guidance on how to transfer your $ZIL and tokens from a Zilliqa wallet to MetaMask, check out our previous tutorials on this topic.

How to bridge tokens on X-Bridge

To move tokens to or from the Zilliqa network using X-Bridge, follow these steps:

Navigate to xbridge.zilliqa.com 

Under the Network section, select a source network on the left and a destination network in the field on the right.

Click on Connect Wallet in the top-right and follow the prompts to connect your EVM-compatible wallet (e.g. MetaMask).

Under the Token section, select your desired token and specify the amount you wish to transfer from the source network to the destination network.

In the Recipient Address field, please paste the destination address you wish to send your tokens to. 

Click on Bridge to start the transfer.

After you have started the bridging process, you will need to confirm two transactions in your wallet. The first transaction allows the bridge to withdraw the required amount of tokens and the second begins the bridging process.

Once your tokens have been withdrawn by X-Bridge, it may take a few minutes before the transaction is finalised.

‍Note that the fees charged by the bridging contract cover the required transactions on both the source and destination networks.

‍Once all transactions are confirmed, your tokens should appear in the destination address.

The journey towards Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet is well underway, marked by the recent launch of the Aventurine proto-mainnet.

The release of Aventurine signals a critical step forward, paving the way for the full mainnet release—Agate—scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. 

While the initial goal was to complete the migration to Zilliqa 2.0 in 2024, the decision to extend the proto-mainnet phase reflects our commitment to making the shift to a new network as seamless as possible for everyone. 

This robust and extensive testing phase is critical for a successful migration to the new network, and it gives development teams the time they need to test their applications and ensure they run smoothly on the new protocol before they are switched over to Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet.

Let’s take a closer look at what preparing for the Agate release and full mainnet migration to Zilliqa 2.0 involves, and what you can do to prepare.

Preparing for Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet

Transitioning to Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet is not just another network upgrade, it is a full migration to a completely new protocol. The new Zilliqa 2.0 network uses a different architecture and Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, and migrating the transaction history from the old Zilliqa network to the new protocol is a major technical feat.To ensure everything runs smoothly, the proto-mainnet phase has been extended to give developers, validators, and delegators the time they need to adapt and prepare for the shift to Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet.

Aventurine offers both proto-testnet and proto-mainnet networks. The proto-testnet imports the transaction history of the current Zilliqa testnet, and the proto-mainnet imports the transaction history and the entire state of the current Zilliqa mainnet. The imported state includes the balances and data stored by all accounts and smart contracts created on the current Zilliqa mainnet, whether they are EVM or Scilla contracts. 

This provides a powerful opportunity for builders to see how their dApps and tokens will run on the Zilliqa 2.0 protocol.

For Users: The extended phase allows users to get used to the new staking system. It ensures there’s enough time to test the upcoming staking portal, which will allow users to explore the available validators and provide information on commission rates after mainnet launch. Rolling this out to Aventurine first will help users understand how to move staked $ZIL to the validators securing the Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet without issues once migration is complete.

For Developers: Builders can use Aventurine to test their decentralised applications (dApps) on the new Zilliqa 2.0 network. This includes ironing out any interoperability challenges with Scilla and EVM. Popular dApps imported from the old Zilliqa network will also be available for testing on the new system.

For Validators: The new Zilliqa 2.0 network uses a Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism, where validators earn rewards for securing the network. Ahead of the migration to Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet, it is important that validators have the opportunity to test their node setups and synchronise with the network. They can also explore the reference staking contracts to ensure they are able to quickly deploy their configuration upon migration. This hands-on phase is crucial to ensuring the network is secure and stable before the mainnet goes live.

The Aventurine proto-testnet phase gives everyone a chance to experiment, provide feedback, and make sure the system works as intended, reducing the risks of disruption when the mainnet is launched.

The Road Ahead

Aventurine is the final step before the Agate release brings Zilliqa 2.0 to life. The full mainnet launch will see the current Zilliqa mainnet officially switch to Zilliqa 2.0, and delegators will be required to reallocate their stake to the validators of their choice.

To facilitate this, users on Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet will be able to access a staking portal featuring a list of active validators, through which they can connect their EVM wallet and delegate their stake. This will initially be trialled on the Aventurine proto-mainnet to give users a chance to familiarise themselves with the process.

The extended Aventurine proto-mainnet phase is a chance for everyone—developers, validators, and delegators—to get involved, enhance Zilliqa’s decentralisation, test the system, and offer feedback.

We encourage the community to explore Aventurine’s features and provide feedback on any issues you encounter with the new protocol. Your insights and suggestions will help shape Zilliqa 2.0 into a stronger, more user-friendly network.

Whether you’re a developer, validator, or part of the wider community, now is the time to explore what Zilliqa 2.0 has to offer. Visit the roadmap and developer portal to connect to the proto-mainnet, test its features, and prepare for the upcoming mainnet launch.

Zilliqa 2.0 is a brand-new, cutting edge blockchain that will enable a more scalable, secure, and interoperable future for Web3. Join us in building that future and be part of this exciting journey.

The launch of the Aventurine proto-mainnet marks a pivotal step toward the arrival of Zilliqa 2.0, bringing transformative updates that lay the groundwork for a next-generation blockchain. 

This release introduces significant features and enhancements that streamline the transition to Zilliqa 2.0, while offering a glimpse of the powerful capabilities the full mainnet upgrade will deliver.

Key Changes Introduced in Aventurine

The Aventurine release is the final milestone before the mainnet release of Zilliqa 2.0, delivering several important improvements in this early version of the Zilliqa 2.0 network.

The Aventurine release for Zilliqa 2.0 comprises two test networks, a proto-testnet and a proto-mainnet. The proto-testnet is a new testnet version of the Zilliqa 2.0 network that imports the history of transactions from the Zilliqa 1.0 testnet. 

The proto-mainnet is a test network that imports the transaction history of the current Zilliqa mainnet, allowing builders to test existing dApps and tokens now running on the improved Zilliqa 2.0 protocol.

One of the most impactful changes introduced in Aventurine is interoperability between Zilliqa's Scilla smart contract language and the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This compatibility allows ZRC-2 tokens issued on Zilliqa to function seamlessly as EVM-compatible ERC-20 tokens. 

Notable tokens such as $FPS, $XCAD, $XSGD, $HRSE, and $SEED are now integrated into the proto-mainnet, significantly expanding their potential use cases and accessibility. Additionally, Aventurine lays the groundwork for a bridge to Binance Smart Chain (BSC), ensuring a future of seamless cross-chain token transfers.

Delegated staking contracts have also been introduced, offering validators the opportunity to test staking functionalities, including support for liquid staking. This prepares the network for a new, user-friendly staking portal that will accompany the mainnet launch of Zilliqa 2.0. The portal will simplify the process of staking for users and further incentivise network security through attractive reward mechanisms.

Developers and users will also benefit from the dual-network system deployed with Aventurine. By creating a new proto-testnet and a new proto-mainnet that import historical data from the current Zilliqa testnet and mainnet respectively, the release ensures a smoother transition for applications ahead of the mainnet migration. 

Current dApps such as PlunderSwap DEX and the Safe multi-signature wallet that are available on Zilliqa mainnet have been migrated to the Aventurine proto-mainnet, allowing their teams to make these applications available for public testing on the new protocol.

Building and staking on Aventurine

The release of Aventurine signals an important opportunity for validators to join the network and test their node configurations before the mainnet launch of Zilliqa 2.0. Once mainnet Zilliqa 2.0 is live, validators will be able to stake $ZIL and earn rewards for helping to secure the network.

Several validators joined the previous Jasper proto-testnet phase, and we hope to see even more join the Aventurine proto-mainnet to prepare to benefit from the significant staking incentives offered by the upcoming mainnet launch. 

To connect to the Aventurine proto-testnet and proto-mainnet, please use the endpoint information below:

Zilliqa 2.0 Aventurine proto-testnet:

Name: proto-testnet

ChainID: 33103

RPC Server Address: https://api.zq2-prototestnet.zilliqa.com/ 

Zilliqa 2.0 Aventurine proto-mainnet:

Name: proto-mainnet

ChainID: 32770

RPC Server Address: https://api.zq2-protomainnet.zilliqa.com 

Developers exploring Aventurine should take note of the following when experimenting on the new network:

API Backward Compatibility: All Zilliqa 1.0 APIs have been implemented for backward compatibility, but some return values (e.g., those related to DS blocks) are placeholders, as Zilliqa 2.0 does not support all Zilliqa 1.0-specific features.

Historical Querying: The entire Zilliqa 1.0 block history can be queried. However, transactions are not re-executed to generate historical logs or traces, and some fields in the returned blocks or transactions may differ between Zilliqa 1.0 seed nodes and Zilliqa 2.0 API nodes. If this affects your dApp, reach out and let us know.

EVM Interoperability: If EVM contracts deployed on Zilliqa 1.0 that use EVM-Scilla interoperability, such as those wrapping ZRC-2 tokens in ERC-20 contracts, experience issues on Zilliqa 2.0, contact us to whitelist them for compatibility.

Public API Limitations: Public API nodes operated by Zilliqa limit response sizes to 10MB. This means dApps querying large Scilla contract states, such as the SSNList, will need to connect to a dedicated RPC node to function properly.

Note that the Aventurine release of Zilliqa 2.0 also introduces reference implementations of staking and delegation contracts written in Solidity. On the Zilliqa 2.0 network, staking is decentralised and integral to the security of the network. 

Upon the migration to the Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet, delegators will need to manually migrate their staked ZIL to these new staking contracts. 

A dedicated staking portal managed by the Zilliqa core team will be deployed first on Aventurine and later the Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet to simulate and then facilitate the seamless migration of staked ZIL to the new staking and delegation contracts.

Find out more about the Aventurine release for Zilliqa 2.0 in the developer documentation.

Paving the way for Zilliqa 2.0

Aventurine introduces exciting capabilities that will shape the future of Zilliqa 2.0. The proto-mainnet ensures compatibility with EVM standards, prepares for liquid staking and a seamless dApp transition, and reinforces Zilliqa’s commitment to interoperability.

These advancements are more than technical milestones—they represent Zilliqa’s vision for scalability, security, and usability in the next phase of blockchain evolution. With the upcoming launch of x-shards for flexible scalability and smart accounts to simplify user experiences, Zilliqa 2.0 is poised to empower developers and businesses with a blockchain tailored to their needs.

As Aventurine takes Zilliqa closer to the mainnet launch, it invites developers, validators, and the community to explore its new capabilities. Together, we are building the foundation for a scalable, interoperable, and user-centric Web3.

Learn more on the Zilliqa roadmap website and read the developer documentation to start building on Zilliqa 2.0.

SINGAPORE, December 9 2024 - Zilliqa, the established layer-1 blockchain that pioneered sharding technology, is excited to announce the deployment of the Aventurine proto-mainnet, a significant milestone on the roadmap to the launch of Zilliqa 2.0.

Aventurine serves as a robust test environment, introducing a number of improvements on the previous Jasper release and laying essential groundwork for a seamless transition to Zilliqa 2.0 upon its mainnet launch with the Agate release. 

Aventurine will technically launch two networks - one upgraded version of the existing Jasper proto-testnet that imports its historical state and a new proto-mainnet that will import the historical state from the current Zilliqa mainnet.

The proto-mainnet will import existing dApps operating on the Zilliqa mainnet such as the PlunderSwap DEX and Safe multi-signature wallet, as well as upcoming dApps that will be integrated after they launch.

Aventurine also introduces critical interoperability between Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and the Scilla smart contract language, which enables Zilliqa fungible tokens to function as EVM-compatible tokens.

Tokens used in major Zilliqa dApps such as $FPS, $XCAD, $XSGD, $HRSE, and $SEED will be available on the proto-mainnet, and support will be added to bridge these tokens from the proto-mainnet to BSC after the launch of Aventurine. 

The foundation of this approach to interoperability has already been laid by Zilliqa group’s recent partnership with EMURGO, which will leverage Wanchain to deploy a strategic cross-chain bridge between the Zilliqa 2.0 and Cardano networks upon the mainnet launch of Zilliqa 2.0.

“This bridge is a significant milestone that unlocks exciting growth opportunities for both Zilliqa and Cardano,” said Wanchain CEO Temujin Louie.

“Our decentralised cross-chain technology will ensure secure, scalable transfers between the Zilliqa 2.0 network and Cardano, marking an important step in making Web3 more accessible to everyone.”

The Aventurine proto-mainnet introduces delegated staking contracts, which can be tested by validators and include support for liquid staking. Alongside the launch of Zilliqa 2.0 mainnet in the Agate release, a new staking portal will be launched that will allow anyone to earn rewards for securing the network.

Commenting on the launch of the Aventurine proto-mainnet, Zilliqa Head of Research Zoltan Fazekas, said:

“This release signifies an exciting milestone on the road to Zilliqa 2.0, delivering the final test network ahead of our mainnet launch. The proto-mainnet lays the groundwork for full mainnet migration and offers developers, validators, and stakers a chance to experiment with the Zilliqa 2.0 protocol.”

Many validators have already begun onboarding, as shown by Zilliqa’s recent partnership with LSP, a staking project with major reach in Asia, which will operate a validator node on the network and give its community access to the exciting staking opportunities offered by Zilliqa 2.0.

Developers and stakers are also encouraged to explore Aventurine as they ready themselves to build and stake on the next generation of Zilliqa’s blockchain technology.

Learn more on the Zilliqa roadmap website and read the developer documentation to start building on Zilliqa 2.0.

About Zilliqa

Zilliqa is the industry-recognised layer-1 blockchain founded in Singapore in 2018. The blockchain serves as a versatile foundation that facilitates a broad array of Web3 applications and services across a multitude of sectors including luxury and entertainment, providing a robust platform for emerging startups and established enterprises alike.

The next evolution of the network, Zilliqa 2.0 offers a user-centric and customisable layer 1 infrastructure designed to drive the mass adoption of Web3. Currently rolling out testnet deployments with mainnet launch planned for Q4'2024.

For more information, visit roadmap.zilliqa.com.

As November comes to an end, I’m excited to share our progress as we advance toward unlocking mass adoption with Zilliqa 2.0. 

From preparing for the imminent launch of the Aventurine release for Zilliqa 2.0 to empowering gZIL holders with a community-managed fund, this month showcases our commitment to driving Zilliqa’s continued growth. 

With renewed energy in the crypto space, we are grateful for our established community and fast-growing ecosystem. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

Matt DyerZilliqa CEO

Check out all the highlights from the Zilliqa ecosystem for November 2024:

Preparing for the launch of Aventurine

The Jasper proto-testnet has been sunsetted after a successful testing phase, marking a pivotal milestone as we prepare for the Aventurine proto-mainnet and proto-testnet launch. 

Aventurine introduces a robust testing environment to pave the way for Zilliqa 2.0’s full mainnet transition. The technical launch is expected soon, with a public release to follow. 

Learn more about the conclusion of Jasper.

gZIL holders to manage community fund

gZIL governance token holders will now manage a dedicated community fund to accelerate Zilliqa’s ecosystem growth, allowing a portion of surplus rewards generated by the recent mining reward halving to fuel innovative projects chosen by the community.

This decentralised model ensures gZIL holders have a direct voice in which apps are supported within the Zilliqa ecosystem.

Read more on the gZIL community fund.

$ZIL perpetual futures live on Kraken Pro

$ZIL perpetual futures are now officially available on Kraken Pro, a global platform offering 30+ collateral options, diverse profit payouts, and access to over 280 markets.

As Kraken is one of the biggest exchanges in the United States, this is a great step towards growing our reach and awareness in one of the biggest crypto markets in the world, hopefully paving the way to see more US-based platforms adding support for Zilliqa in future.Trade $ZIL perpetual futures now on Kraken Pro!

Web3Auth integrated with Zilliqa 2.0

A major highlight from November was the news that Web3Auth was integrated with the Jasper proto-testnet, enabling secure and seamless wallet creation through social logins or email for Zilliqa 2.0. 

This integration lowers barriers for users and developers, which will help Zilliqa 2.0 to make Web3 as accessible as the internet.

Read more about Web3Auth on Zilliqa 2.0.

From Devcon to ETH Riyadh

Zilliqa made a strong impression at Devcon 2024, with Zoltan Fazekas, our Head of Research, and Anton Agafonov, our Head of Product, representing Zilliqa at the event.

Looking ahead, the Zilliqa team will head to ETH Riyadh from December 1-3, where Anton will be speaking about the exciting opportunities unlocked by Zilliqa 2.0 and its ability to plug into the EVM ecosystem. 

Stay up to date with the latest news by following us on Twitter and subscribing to the Zilliqa blog.

The Jasper proto-testnet phase for Zilliqa 2.0 has ended as we approach the launch of the next phase of the Zilliqa 2.0 roadmap - the Aventurine proto-mainnet and proto-testnet.

As of 29 November 2024, the Jasper testnet will be sunsetted. Users and developers are encouraged to begin transitioning their testing and development activities to the Aventurine networks once available.

The conclusion of the Jasper phase sets the stage for the upcoming rollout of the Aventurine release for Zilliqa 2.0, which will comprise a new proto-testnet and a proto-mainnet network that will import the history of the current Zilliqa testnet and mainnet to serve as a powerful testbed for developers as we lay the groundwork for full mainnet migration to Zilliqa 2.0.

As the very first public testnet of the Zilliqa 2.0 blockchain, Jasper offered a chance to try out the efficient new Proof-of-Stake consensus offered by the new protocol, as well as giving developers the opportunity to test out the implementation of their dApps on the new, native EVM network.

The technical launch of the Aventurine networks is expected next week and will be followed by a public release, although this target may be adjusted based on final tests conducted by the core engineering team.Aventurine will serve as a robust test environment, introducing a number of improvements on the previous Jasper release and laying essential groundwork for a seamless transition to Zilliqa 2.0 upon mainnet launch with the following Agate release. 

We extend our gratitude to the Zilliqa community for your invaluable contributions during the Jasper phase. Your feedback and participation have been key to refining our vision. 

We also want to thank the validators who participated in network consensus on Jasper, and we encourage both old and new validators to join and proto-mainnet with the launch of Aventurine.

Should you need any assistance during this transition, please reach out to the Zilliqa team directly, or you can join the conversation on Discord and Telegram.

Zilliqa is strengthening the utility of its gZIL governance token by giving holders the opportunity to fund the innovative projects and attract the developers they believe will best serve the Zilliqa community.

Following the recent implementation of a halving mechanism to reduce mining rewards, Zilliqa has committed to allocate a portion of the surplus rewards generated by this change to be managed directly by the gZIL community.

Read more about the halving of mining rewards as part of the shift to Zilliqa 2.0.

gZIL holders will manage these funds through a decentralised governance model, giving them control over where and how funds are allocated. 

This is a true community-led approach to decision-making, ensuring that those most invested in Zilliqa’s success have a real voice in growing the ecosystem.

Next steps - Join the discussion on Telegram

Zilliqa invites all gZIL holders to join the official moderated Telegram group to voice their views on how this fund should be be structured, what restrictions should be placed on funding, and its core objectives. 

If you hold gZIL, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. gZIL holders can join the group here to share their thoughts: https://t.me/GZILDAO

Following these conversations, we will update the community with more detailed information on how this gZIL-managed fund will work.

In the meantime, stay tuned to our socials and subscribe to the Zilliqa newsletter for the latest news.

Matt Dyer, CEO of Zilliqa, recently shared his insights on Zilliqa’s ongoing innovations, from the development of Ziliqa 2.0 to building connections with other major blockchains to drive interoperability.

He emphasised the company’s mission to simplify blockchain for real-world use, making it as easy to use as the Internet. 

In a broad-ranging interview recorded at Huntsman of Savile Row in London, Matt discussed Zilliqa’s ambitions to bring practical blockchain benefits to a wider audience, making it accessible without overwhelming users with technical details.

Watch the full video interview with Zilliqa CEO Matt Dyer here.

Below are a few of the key highlights from the interview:

Making blockchain accessible to everyone

A core message from Matt was Zilliqa’s focus on creating real-world blockchain applications that deliver genuine value to users. 

Blockchain can bring a lot of value to people by ensuring transparency, authenticity, and ownership, but the key is to integrate these benefits in ways that feel natural.

Zilliqa aims to make the advantages of blockchain almost invisible to users. By designing systems where blockchain’s role is seamlessly integrated, Zilliqa is encouraging mainstream adoption without the need for users to navigate complex interfaces.

Collaborating to build an interoperable ecosystem

Matt noted that Zilliqa is actively seeking collaborations with other blockchain projects to foster interoperability and expand the range of applications available to users.

This is exemplified by Zilliqa group’s recent partnership with EMURGO, positioned to drive interoperability and growth between both the Zilliqa and Cardano networks.

Matt said that interoperability is crucial to adoption and the user experience, adding that users should enjoy freedom within a connected ecosystem where assets and data can flow seamlessly.

User-friendly Web3 with Zilliqa 2.0

To drive the mass adoption of Web3, Zilliqa’s upcoming network upgrade, Zilliqa 2.0 is focusing on user-friendly solutions that simplify blockchain interactions.

Matt highlighted that through features such as smart accounts and customisable x-shards, this approach not only makes it easier for users to engage with blockchain but also allows developers to integrate blockchain features without needing specialised knowledge. 

Zilliqa 2.0 will make blockchain approachable to a wider range of potential users, thanks to its focus on creating tools and interfaces that feel intuitive.

Digital ownership and authenticity 

A significant use case for Zilliqa is in enabling true digital ownership and authenticity for users through blockchain. 

Matt said that blockchain allows users to truly own digital assets in an unprecedented way, and that this unlocks exciting new opportunities for everyone from gamers to customers of luxury brands.

He explored how blockchain provides a secure, tamper-proof ledger for verifying ownership, and how Zilliqa is using this technology to empower users with rights to their digital assets—whether that involves art, documents, or data.

Thoughts on the future of Web3

Looking forward, Matt expressed optimism about the future of Web3 and its potential to become an integral part of people’s digital lives. 

While blockchain has historically been seen as niche and complex, he believes Zilliqa 2.0 can help bring it into the mainstream, transforming the way users interact through enabling true ownership and value creation.

Stay up to date with the latest updates on Zilliqa and the upcoming Zilliqa 2.0 network deployment by following us on Twitter and subscribing to the Zilliqa blog.

We’re thrilled to announce that Web3Auth is now integrated with the Jasper proto-testnet for Zilliqa 2.0.

This announcement marks a major step toward making Web3 accessible to everyone, as Web3Auth allows users to create blockchain wallets simply by using a social login or email—no complex key management required. 

For end-users, Web3Auth integration enables anyone to join the Zilliqa ecosystem with ease, enjoying secure access without the typical hurdles of setting up a wallet. This approach aligns with the design of Zilliqa 2.0 as a protocol that will drive the mass adoption of Web3 by making it as easy to use as the internet. 

For developers, Web3Auth on Zilliqa 2.0 also opens up new opportunities to build dApps that offer a seamless onboarding experience. The integration brings the tools and documentation needed to get started with Web3Auth, empowering developers to enhance user adoption and retention by lowering entry barriers. 

This means you can have a head-start on experiencing Web3Auth for yourself and getting your project ready for the mainnet launch of Zilliqa 2.0!

Developers who want to build on Zilliqa 2.0 can visit the Zilliqa roadmap website to try out the integration and read the Web3Auth docs to learn how to add the service to their dApp.

The next step on the Zilliqa 2.0 roadmap is the upcoming launch of the Aventurine proto-mainnet, which will lay the groundwork for a smooth transition to Zilliqa 2.0 upon mainnet launch.

Read more about the Jasper proto-testnet and the rollout of Aventurine.

Stay up to date with the latest news by following us on Twitter and subscribing to the Zilliqa blog.

October has been an exciting month for the Zilliqa ecosystem as we continue to pave the way for Zilliqa 2.0. 

From development updates and ecosystem integrations to new partnerships that simplify user onboarding, we are strengthening Zilliqa's foundation as a leader in Web3 technology. 

Expect exciting news about the launch of Aventurine, the next milestone on the Zilliqa 2.0 roadmap, very soon!

Each step forward takes us closer to an interoperable and user-friendly future.

Matt Dyer Zilliqa CEO

Check out all the highlights from the Zilliqa ecosystem for October 2024 below.

Zilliqa 2.0: Building towards Aventurine

The Zilliqa tech team is hard at work on Zilliqa 2.0, with the next milestone on the roadmap, Aventurine, just around the corner. 

This proto-mainnet release will remain a test network but will introduce key features such as cross-chain smart contracts and interoperability between EVM and Scilla, making it much easier and simpler to transact on the network. 

Aventurine will also lay the groundwork for a smooth transition to Zilliqa 2.0 upon mainnet launch.

Read more about the road to Aventurine.

Halving mining rewards as part of the shift to Proof-of-Stake

The community has passed a proposal to halve mining rewards as part of an ongoing shift to Proof-of-Stake for Zilliqa 2.0.

The new halving mechanism is a vital step as we continue transitioning the network towards full PoS consensus for a future-ready, greener, and more efficient 

A vision for the future of Web3

This month, Zilliqa group founder Max Kantelia unveiled an inspiring vision for the future of Web3, outlining the group’s strategic focus on propelling luxury brands and the entertainment sector into new realms of growth and engagement.

Zilliqa CEO Matt Dyer will also share his insights into what to expect from Zilliqa 2.0 in a similar interview, revealing how the upgraded network is positioned to make Web3 as easy to use as the internet through x-shards, smart accounts, and fast finality.

Web3Auth integrates with Zilliqa EVM

Zilliqa EVM is now supported by Web3Auth, enabling easy onboarding through facilitating social media logins and easy wallet creation.

This is a crucial step toward making Zilliqa more accessible to both experienced users and those new to Web3. The first five dApps to integrate Web3Auth will also receive a free 2 months of the platform’s Scale plan!

Simplifying cross-chain payments

Zilliqa has continued to enhance interoperability through its recent partnership with NOWPayments. 

This collaboration aims to make cross-chain payments faster, more secure, and easier to use across multiple ecosystems.

Catch Zilliqa at Devcon 2024

Looking ahead to November, Zilliqa Head of Research Zoltan Fazekas and Head of Product Anton Agafonov will be representing Zilliqa at Devcon 2024! 

We’re excited to join the global blockchain community to discuss developments, build connections, and share the exciting capabilities coming in Zilliqa 2.0.

Stay up to date with the latest news by following us on Twitter and subscribing to the Zilliqa blog.