Bitlayer: Unlocking Smart Contracts on Bitcoin
Bitlayer is a pioneering Layer-2 protocol built atop Bitcoin, designed to preserve Bitcoin’s security while introducing full programmability. It achieves this by implementing the BitVM paradigm—an off-chain virtual machine framework that supports Turing-complete smart contracts without altering the Bitcoin base layer
docs.bitlayer.org
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A standout feature is its EVM compatibility, allowing developers to seamlessly port Ethereum-based decentralized apps (dApps), tools, and smart contracts to Bitlayer with minimal friction
Medium
docs.bitlayer.org
. This fosters accessibility and encourages broader developer adoption.
The architecture employs a Layered Virtual Machine (LVM) system that separates frontend contract execution from backend zero-knowledge proof processing. By combining BitVM with ZK-proofs (such as ZK-STARKs), Bitlayer enables fast, efficient, and private transaction verification while batching and reducing on-chain load
Samra Asset Group
Alea
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Bitlayer also addresses trust and decentralization in asset bridging. Utilizing optimistic rollup models, fraud-proofs, and discreet log contracts (DLCs), it achieves a trustless two-way peg between Bitcoin and Layer-2, surpassing multisig-based models by ensuring stronger decentralization and security
Medium
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Since its seed funding round, Bitlayer has raised significant capital—including $5 million in seed and a $9 million Series A extension led by Polychain Capital—totaling around $25 million in funding to date
coingraph.news
Bitlayer Blog
. Its “Ready Player One” incentive program, valued at over $50 million, aims to attract builders into its ecosystem
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