Succinct, backed by leading venture fund Paradigm with $55 million in funding, has become a key architect in the zero-knowledge proof (ZK-proof) space. Rather than being just another protocol, Succinct positions itself as a network that provides fundamental tools — specifically its zkVM SP1 — that make ZK-proofs accessible and practical for a broad range of developers. This infrastructure is already integrated into over 35 protocols, highlighting its importance and effectiveness.
SP1: The heart of the Succinct ecosystem
The zero-knowledge virtual machine (zkVM) SP1 is a central component in the Succinct infrastructure. It is designed to address two main issues that have hindered the widespread adoption of ZK technologies:
Programming complexity: Traditionally, developing ZK programs required specialized languages like Circom, creating a high entry barrier. SP1 breaks down this barrier, allowing developers to write ZK programs in Rust — one of the most popular and efficient programming languages. This enables the use of existing libraries, tools, and the Rust community's knowledge.
Low proof generation speed: The process of generating ZK-proofs is computationally intensive. SP1 is optimized to significantly accelerate this process. Instead of relying on overly slow algorithms, SP1 uses advanced methods to drastically reduce generation time, making ZK-proofs practical for real-world applications.
Architectural advantages of SP1
SP1 not only emulates a virtual machine — it generates proofs of correctness for any program written in Rust that can be compiled into RISC-V instructions. This allows for:
Verification of complex computations: Proofs can be generated for any computational task, from verifying the state of bridges between networks to complex computations in games or financial models.
Interoperability: Since SP1 uses RISC-V, it can interact with various blockchains and networks, creating a robust foundation for inter-network solutions.
How the Succinct network works
The Succinct network operates as a decentralized network of ZK-proof providers. Instead of each protocol having to run its own infrastructure for proof generation, they can delegate this task to the Succinct network.
The process looks as follows:
Proof ordering: A protocol or dApp sends a request to the Succinct network to generate a ZK-proof for a specific computational task.
Generation: The network, using nodes equipped with powerful computing resources, generates proof using SP1.
Proof transmission: The completed proof is sent to the protocol, which then publishes it on the network (e.g., Ethereum). This proof is cryptographically secure and can be verified by anyone.
This model allows protocols to save money and time, as well as leverage the capabilities of ZK-proofs without the need to develop their own expertise. Providing over $4 billion in TVL indicates that this model works successfully, helping protocols like Lido, Celestia, and Wormhole ensure security and scalability.
Succinct is a prime example of how infrastructure solutions can democratize access to complex technologies, paving the way for a more secure, scalable, and interoperable future for Web3.
