Introduction
• Bitcoin is the most secure and decentralized blockchain, but for years it has been limited to being “digital gold.”
• Bitlayer changes that by introducing programmability and scalability through a Bitcoin-native rollup.
• It is the first protocol built on BitVM, designed to merge Bitcoin’s unmatched trust with smart contract flexibility.
Overview
• Bitlayer is a Bitcoin-native Layer-2 rollup bringing EVM compatibility to the Bitcoin ecosystem.
• It allows developers to deploy Ethereum-like applications without compromising on Bitcoin’s decentralization.
• By using a hybrid model of Optimistic rollups and Zero-Knowledge proofs, it balances speed and security.
• Bitlayer reimagines Bitcoin as more than a passive store of value - it becomes a launchpad for innovation.
• Developers can use familiar tools like Solidity and Rust while inheriting Bitcoin’s settlement security.
• This unlocks Bitcoin-native DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications, creating an entirely new economic layer.
• It represents Bitcoin’s shift from digital gold to programmable money that powers a global financial ecosystem.
• Bitlayer integrates Optimistic + ZK hybrid rollups for efficient execution.
• It supports EVM and alternative runtimes like CairoVM, ensuring flexibility for developers.
• Its trust-minimized bridge enables two-way BTC transfers with fraud-proof validation, eliminating custodians.
• Major mining pools including Antpool and F2Pool actively support its security model, strengthening decentralization.
• Projects like Velar are already deploying Bitcoin-native DeFi protocols on Bitlayer.
• Interoperability bridges connect Bitcoin liquidity to ecosystems like Base, Starknet, and Arbitrum.
• By unlocking over $1.9 trillion in Bitcoin liquidity, it expands use cases in lending, trading, staking, and gaming.
• It repositions Bitcoin as a cornerstone of global Web3 adoption, beyond just value storage.
Core offerings
• Full smart contract support on Bitcoin through an EVM-compatible execution layer.
• Hybrid rollup architecture combining Optimistic fraud proofs with ZK verification.
• Trustless BTC bridge leveraging BitVM fraud proofs for secure asset movement.
Technical edge
• Settlement secured directly by Bitcoin mainnet and its hashrate.
• Modular rollup structure with sequencers, fraud proofs, and optional data availability layers.
• Cross-chain expansion enabling Bitcoin to plug into Ethereum and other Layer-2 ecosystems.
Innovations and ecosystem momentum
• First Bitcoin-native rollup architecture instead of a federated sidechain.
• Multi-runtime support, allowing developers to deploy across Solidity, Rust, and Cairo.
• Strong early ecosystem adoption with integrations in DeFi and NFT infrastructure.
Market growth
• Bitcoin remains the largest blockchain by market cap at over $1.2 trillion, with untapped liquidity ready for DeFi.
• Bitlayer is tapping into this demand by bridging BTC into smart contract ecosystems.
• The protocol has secured strong ecosystem partnerships with DeFi builders like Velar.
• Investor interest in Bitcoin L2s is accelerating, making Bitlayer a key player in this emerging narrative.
• Market potential includes not only DeFi but also tokenized assets, stablecoins, and cross-chain settlement.
Security
• Security is rooted directly in Bitcoin’s hashrate and consensus—no sidechain trust assumptions.
• Fraud proofs and Zero-Knowledge verification ensure integrity of state transitions.
• The BitVM bridge allows fully trustless BTC transfers without centralized custodians.
• Active participation from mining pools like Antpool and F2Pool provides additional economic security.
• Ongoing audits and modular design reduce attack surface and improve resilience.
Conclusion
• Bitlayer represents a pivotal evolution of Bitcoin, turning it from digital gold into programmable money.
• It delivers scalability, interoperability, and smart contracts—all secured by Bitcoin’s base layer.
• Developers gain Ethereum-style tools while users gain trustless, secure access to Bitcoin-backed DeFi.
• With strong ecosystem traction, market growth potential, and unmatched security, Bitlayer positions Bitcoin for its Web3 future.
