In the implementation of zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) in the industry, 'repeated development' has long been an overlooked pain point—enterprises need to develop ZKP solutions separately for different scenarios (such as data verification, asset cross-chain), developers have to repeatedly write verification logic to adapt to different public chains, leading to waste of technical resources and low implementation efficiency. ZKP has always remained positioned as a 'one-time consumable'. Succinct Labs, centered around SP1 zkVM (Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine), injects 'reusable genes' into ZKP, transforming it from a 'one-time development cost item' to an 'asset that can be reused multiple times'. Through technical modularization, ecological sharing, and operational support, it fundamentally reconstructs the reuse logic of blockchain trustworthy technology, allowing ZKP to achieve 'one-time development, multiple scenario reuse'.
1. Technical Modularization: SP1 zkVM disassembles ZKP into reusable units
The core of the project's technical breakthrough is to reject 'integrated development of ZKP solutions' and instead disassemble it into 'standardized modules + composable components', enabling the needs of different scenarios and different public chains to be achieved through module splicing, significantly reducing the costs of repeated development.
1. Core Function Modularization: Splitting 'General Modules' and 'Scenario Components'
SP1 zkVM breaks down the core functions of ZKP into two types of reusable units: one is general basic modules that include hash verification (SHA256, Keccak256), elliptic curve operations, on-chain verification interfaces, etc. These modules are adaptable to all ZKP scenarios, developed once and can be permanently reused without the need for repeated coding for different requirements; the other is scenario-specific components, such as the 'state transition verification component' for Rollup fault proof, the 'asset ownership verification component' for cross-chain, and the 'device status collection component' for the manufacturing industry. These components can be independently updated without affecting the basic modules. For example, after a developer completes the 'hash verification module', it can be used for document verification in cross-border logistics or for transaction hash verification in DeFi, with an 80% increase in core function reuse rate, avoiding repetitive coding.
2. Multi-chain Adaptation Modularization: A set of modules compatible with multiple chain protocols
The differences in verification rules among different public chains are significant, and traditional ZKP solutions need to develop adaptation code separately for each chain, leading to a large amount of repeated work. SP1 zkVM is designed with a 'multi-chain adaptation module': for mainstream public chains like Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana, 'chain protocol adaptation plugins' are developed separately, which include the verification functions and data format conversion logic of that chain; the basic modules and scenario components interface with the plugins through 'standardized interfaces', allowing adaptation to different public chains without modifying core code. For example, a developer's 'digital asset confirmation component' can be used in the ETH ecosystem by integrating the Ethereum plugin, and can be directly migrated to Solana by integrating the Solana plugin, reducing the repeated development cost for multi-chain adaptation by 90%, and compressing the adaptation cycle from 'weekly' to 'hourly'.
3. Code Migration and Reuse: Seamless integration with the Rust ecosystem
The most troublesome issue for developers is 'cross-toolchain code reuse'; SP1 zkVM solves this through Rust ecosystem compatibility: it supports directly calling mature libraries in the Rust ecosystem (such as the cryptographic library ring and the data processing library serde), allowing developers not to rewrite existing Rust code into a ZKP-specific format; at the same time, the ZKP modules generated by SP1 can be exported as Rust crate packages, directly embedded into other Rust projects. For example, a team's 'trusted logistics tracking module' can be exported as a crate and used both in their own logistics platform and embedded in third-party cross-border e-commerce systems, achieving a code reuse rate of 95% and avoiding the hassle of 'repeated development for different platforms'.
2. Ecological Sharing: Building a shared network for reusable ZKP modules
The modular design of SP1 zkVM has given rise to a 'module sharing ecosystem'—developers can upload reusable modules, enterprises can download combination solutions, and nodes can share computing resources, allowing ZKP technical resources to circulate efficiently within the ecosystem and avoid 'reinventing the wheel'.
1. Developers: Module sharing generates revenue, reducing development costs
The project builds an 'SP1 module sharing library', where developers can upload the basic modules and scenario components they develop to the library, and when other users download and use them, the uploader can receive a share of $PROVE tokens (charged per usage). For example, a 'cross-chain asset verification module' uploaded by a developer can be downloaded and used by 20 projects, steadily earning $12,000 per month; at the same time, developers can also download others' modules from the library and quickly combine them into their own solutions—certain Layer 2 teams completed the ZKP verification system development in just 2 weeks by downloading the 'hash verification module' + 'fault proof component', saving 60% of the time compared to full self-development.
2. Enterprises: Quick implementation of module combinations, reducing trial and error costs
Traditional enterprises need to self-develop the entire process for implementing ZKP, leading to high trial and error costs. In the SP1 shared ecosystem, enterprises can 'combine modules on demand' based on their needs: manufacturing enterprises can quickly set up a trusted system for devices by downloading the 'device data collection component' + 'compliance verification module'; cross-border trade enterprises can achieve cross-chain document verification within 3 days by combining the 'document hash module' + 'multi-chain adaptation plugin'. At the same time, the module library provides a 'trial-pay' model, allowing enterprises to first try the module's effect before deciding whether to pay for its use, reducing trial and error costs by 70%. A small to medium-sized cross-border enterprise completed ZKP implementation with only an investment of 50,000 yuan, while traditional self-developed solutions cost over 500,000 yuan.
3. Computing Nodes: Module adaptation shares computing power, enhancing resource utilization
The computing power requirements of different ZKP modules vary greatly, and traditional nodes need to configure computing power separately for different modules, leading to significant resource waste. In the SP1 ecosystem, nodes can use the 'module computing power adaptation tool' to automatically allocate resources based on the computational complexity of modules (e.g., the hash verification module requires low computing power, while the recursive proof module requires high computing power). The same batch of computing power can alternately support the proof generation of multiple modules, increasing computing power utilization from 40% to 75%. For example, a certain node's FPGA cluster supports the Rollup fault proof module in the morning and processes the cross-chain asset verification module in the afternoon, achieving a 50% increase in daily revenue compared to a single scenario, realizing added value from computing power resources.
3. Operational Support: Ensuring the efficient operation of the ZKP reusable ecosystem
The project operations are designed around 'module reuse' to create a special support system that addresses pain points in module development, sharing, and use, ensuring that the reuse ecosystem can continue to cycle.
1. Module Development Support: Lowering the development threshold for reusable modules
To encourage developers to create high-quality reusable modules, the project provides a 'module development support package': including module development specifications (clarifying interface standards and compatibility requirements), testing tools (automatically detecting module compatibility for multi-chain and multi-scenario reuse), and template code (framework code for basic modules, where developers only need to supplement scenario logic). At the same time, a 'quality module reward' is established, selecting 10 high-reusability modules each month, each rewarded with $50,000 in $PROVE tokens, lowering the threshold for developers to create reusable modules by 60%, and accumulating over 200 usable modules in the module library within six months of its launch.
2. Module Sharing Assurance: Solving trust and adaptation issues in reuse
To avoid the impact of 'poor module quality and difficult adaptation' on reuse, the project has established a 'module review and adaptation mechanism': all uploaded modules must pass automated testing (verifying multi-chain compatibility and computational accuracy) and manual review (checking code security), with a pass rate controlled at 70% to ensure module quality; at the same time, a 'reuse guide' is provided for each module, clearly stating the adaptation scenarios, calling methods, and solutions to common problems. The reuse guide for a certain 'asset confirmation module' detailed the 10 public chains and 3 types of enterprise needs it adapts to, increasing the user calling success rate to 95%.
3. Reuse Incentive Closed Loop: Allowing all participants to benefit from reuse
The project designs a 'reuse value distribution closed loop': enterprises downloading modules pay a small amount of $PROVE tokens, part of which is given to the module uploader, and part is injected into the 'module maintenance fund' (for module updates and bug fixes); nodes sharing computing power to support module operation can receive a share of the tokens paid by enterprises; developers maintaining modules continuously (such as adapting to new public chains) can receive additional shares. This closed loop motivates developers to create modules, enterprises to use modules, and nodes to support computing power, forming a positive cycle of reuse ecology, with module reuse increasing by 40% each month.
Summary: Reusable genes reshape the value positioning of ZKP technology
Succinct Labs' core contribution is not to improve the proof speed of ZKP or reduce the cost per use, but to fundamentally change the technical positioning of ZKP through the modular design and shared ecosystem of SP1 zkVM—from a 'one-time developed consumable' to an 'asset that can be reused multiple times and continuously creates value'. This 'reusable logic' not only addresses the pain points of repeated development in the industry but also allows ZKP technical resources to circulate efficiently within the ecosystem, forming a positive cycle of 'development-sharing-reuse-redevelopment', making Succinct Labs a pioneer and leader in the 'technical reuse ecosystem' of the ZKP track.
Future Prediction: Reuse ecology drives the large-scale penetration of ZKP technology
As the module library continues to enrich and the reuse mechanism improves, the reusable capability of SP1 zkVM will cover more scenarios (such as trusted identity in Web3 social, asset ownership verification in the Metaverse); small and medium-sized enterprises can quickly implement ZKP through module combinations, driving ZKP technology from being 'exclusive to leading enterprises' to 'inclusive applications'. From the core dimensions of industry scoring (module reuse rate, ecological sharing activity, module quality stability, penetration rate of small and medium-sized enterprises), the project is expected to remain at the forefront of the ZKP track for a long time. In the future, it may rely on the unique value of the 'reusable ecosystem' to enter the high-scoring camp of global blockchain infrastructure and become a key infrastructure for driving the large-scale implementation of ZKP technology.
