BitLayer is a Bitcoin Layer 2 (L2) solution designed to enhance Bitcoin's scalability and functionality while preserving its security and decentralization. Built on cutting-edge zero-knowledge (ZK) technology and leveraging the **BitVM** computing paradigm, BitLayer enables smart contracts, DeFi, NFTs, and complex applications directly on Bitcoin—traditionally limited by its base-layer constraints.
### Key Features:
1. **Bitcoin Security**: Inherits Bitcoin’s robust proof-of-work security, ensuring trust-minimized operations.
2. **ZK Rollups**: Uses zero-knowledge proofs to bundle transactions off-chain, reducing fees and boosting throughput (targeting 1,000+ TPS).
3. **BitVM Integration**: Allows Turing-complete smart contracts on Bitcoin without altering its core protocol, enabling programmability akin to Ethereum.
4. **EVM Compatibility**: Supports Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) tooling, allowing developers to deploy familiar dApps on Bitcoin.
5. **Decentralization**: Avoids trusted third parties, relying on Bitcoin’s consensus for finality.
Purpose:
BitLayer addresses Bitcoin’s scalability trilemma (security, speed, decentralization) by offloading computation to L2 while anchoring data to Bitcoin’s base layer. This unlocks DeFi, tokenization, and Web3 use cases for Bitcoin’s $1T+ liquidity, positioning it as a "Bitcoin Superchain."
Status:
Launched testnet in 2024, with mainnet imminent. Backed by investors like Franklin Templeton and Framework Ventures. If successful, BitLayer could catalyze Bitcoin’s evolution from "digital gold" to a full-fledged smart contract platform.