Bitlayer is the first Bitcoin Layer-2 powered by the BitVM paradigm, designed to bring programmability, scalability, and interoperability to Bitcoin.
Overview
• It enables Ethereum-compatible smart contracts to run securely while leveraging Bitcoin’s unmatched base-layer trust.
• By combining optimistic execution with ZK proofs, Bitlayer creates a modular, rollup-like architecture that bridges Bitcoin to the broader Web3 ecosystem
• Imagine Bitcoin, long seen as a store of value, suddenly becoming the foundation for DeFi, NFTs, and advanced dApps—all without sacrificing its core ethos of security and decentralization.
• With Bitlayer, developers can write Ethereum-style smart contracts and deploy dApps, while users interact with Bitcoin as if it were a programmable, secure supercomputer.
• It’s like giving Bitcoin a new language of expression—not changing its DNA, but extending its potential
• Layered Virtual Machine (LVM) – Enables Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility and supports alternative runtimes like CairoVM.
• Optimistic + ZKP Hybrid Execution – Balances scalability and security by verifying off-chain computations with fraud-proof and zero-knowledge mechanisms.
• Native Bitcoin Bridge – Trust-minimized BTC bridge built on BitVM, ensuring secure asset transfers without custodians.
• Rollup Architecture – Similar to Ethereum’s rollups, batches transactions through a sequencer, processes them in LVM, and posts proofs to Bitcoin L1.
• Interoperability – Extends Bitcoin-native assets into ecosystems like Arbitrum, Starknet, Base, and beyond.
• Powered by BitVM – A paradigm that allows arbitrary computation on Bitcoin through fraud proofs, without changing Bitcoin’s consensus.
• Mining Power Security – Backed by leading Bitcoin mining pools such as Antpool, F2Pool, and SpiderPool.
• Data Availability Flexibility – Developers can choose cost-optimized or security-optimized DA layers for their rollups.
• Slashing & Fraud Proofs – Ensures validators are accountable with economic penalties for malicious behavior.
• Ecosystem Applications – Already being explored for Bitcoin-native DeFi protocols, perpetual DEXs, and cross-chain liquidity hubs.
Core Offerings
• EVM Compatibility on Bitcoin – Allows Solidity developers to deploy dApps directly.
• Native BTC DeFi Bridge – Unlocks Bitcoin liquidity across modular ecosystems.
• ZK + Optimistic Hybrid Model – Strong guarantees with scalable performance.
• Developer-Friendly SDKs – Simplifies rollup creation for Bitcoin-focused builders.
• Fraud-Proof Security – Ensures all off-chain computations are verifiable on-chain.
Technical Edge
• Bitcoin-Level Security – Posts fraud-proof state commitments directly to Bitcoin mainnet.
• High Performance – Supports modular execution with fast rollup settlement.
• Modular Rollup Blueprint – Gives developers flexibility in execution and data availability layers.
• Scalability without Forks – Achieves programmability without altering Bitcoin’s base protocol.
• Interchain Integration – Bridges Bitcoin-native assets into other modular and Ethereum-compatible ecosystems.
Ecosystem Momentum
• Trusted by DeFi Builders – Velar is building its Bitcoin-native PerpDex on Bitlayer.
• Adopted by Mining Pools – Major Bitcoin miners actively supporting BitVM execution.
• Cross-Chain Collaborations – Linking with Base, Starknet, Arbitrum, and Plume for liquidity expansion.
• Developer Interest Growing – Rising traction among Solidity and Bitcoin developers eager to merge ecosystems.
• Evolving into Rollup Architecture – Transitioning from a sidechain-like model to a true Bitcoin-native rollup.
Why It Matters
• For developers – Access Ethereum tooling while building on Bitcoin security.
• For users – Unlocks Bitcoin’s $1.9 trillion liquidity for smart contracts, DeFi, and NFTs.
• For the ecosystem – Finally bridges the gap between Bitcoin as “digital gold” and the programmable Web3 future.
Conclusion
Bitlayer is more than a Layer-2—it’s Bitcoin’s evolution into the programmable age. By merging EVM compatibility with Bitcoin’s raw trust, Bitlayer empowers developers, strengthens interoperability, and unleashes new financial primitives.
In a world where Bitcoin’s liquidity has remained underutilized, Bitlayer provides the missing link: programmability without compromise. It positions Bitcoin not only as money but as the foundation of a broader decentralized economy.
