In the race to bring Ethereum into the future of Zero-Knowledge (ZK), Kakarot is emerging as a bold and distinct player. With the ambition to prove Ethereum blocks using STARK proofs in real-time, this project is opening a new direction for the entire Ethereum ecosystem – completely different from the traditional zkEVM solutions today.
Kakarot – Choosing not the easy path, but the 'ZK-native' path
Unlike most current #zkEVM solutions like zkSync, Scroll, or Polygon zkEVM that use popular technologies such as REVM, RISC-V, or Plonky3, Kakarot has chosen an independent path: rewriting the entire Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) in Cairo – a language developed by StarkWare specifically for creating STARK proofs.
This 'ZK-native' approach allows each line of code in the EVM to have ZK proof capabilities from the start, without needing to 'translate' the logic as is commonly done. This not only optimizes performance and security but also helps create a system that can prove Ethereum blocks naturally and accurately – something that current zkEVM solutions are still pursuing.
Strong statement from the Ethereum community
The success of #Kakarot quickly attracted the attention of major players:
Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO of StarkWare, commented:
"Kakarot is leading the race for real-time ZK proof. Having a ZK-native language is a superpower that the rest are just trying to catch up with."Justin Drake, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, called it a "necessary headwind" as Ethereum faces the risk of "homogenizing" zkEVM technology. He believes Kakarot creates the diversity necessary for a robust and reliable Ethereum.
Goal: STARK proof in 8 seconds – Faster than the Ethereum block cycle
According to Clément Walter, co-founder and CTO of Kakarot, the project's goal is to create STARK proofs for each Ethereum Layer 1 block in just 8 seconds – faster than the current block creation cycle of 12 seconds. This could open a new era for Ethereum:
Building a true 'proving client' that operates in parallel with the current execution layer.
Enhancing independent verification capabilities and protecting the network from serious logical errors.
Walter asserts:
"We should not limit ourselves to old stacks just because they exist."
Responding to Vitalik's proposal: No need for RISC-V to achieve breakthroughs
Recently, Vitalik Buterin proposed replacing the current EVM with RISC-V to reduce on-chain costs and increase scalability. However, Kakarot proves the opposite: it is possible to achieve outstanding performance in proof creation without abandoning the current EVM architecture.
Clément Walter believes:
"We have built a high-performance proof system tailored for Ethereum without relying on RISC-V."
Historical milestone: Successfully proving Ethereum blocks with ZK-native
On April 29, 2025, Kakarot marked an important milestone when:
Successfully created STARK proof for Ethereum block #21688509
Implemented using the open-source tool uv run keth on GitHub
This is the first time a completely independent ZK-native system has proven an Ethereum Layer 1 block
This is not just a technical achievement, but also clear evidence that Kakarot is completely feasible and is getting very close to the goal of real-time proof.
Ethereum does not need just one pathway
Currently, Ethereum depends on popular zk stacks. This poses a risk of "chain collapse" if one of the foundational tools encounters an issue. Kakarot serves as a "ZK Hedge", providing parallel proof options that offer Ethereum diverse choices – similar to having multiple clients for the current execution and consensus layers.
Upcoming plans
Kakarot confirms it will:
Continue collaborating with StarkWare to optimize performance and reduce proof times
Share the next breakthroughs at the EthCC Cannes 2025 conference
Aiming for real-time proof of Ethereum blocks by the end of this year
Conclusion
With what has been achieved, Kakarot is not just a new zkEVM, but a testament to a daring vision – building a true ZK system from the ground up. The project has shown that Ethereum can move towards a zero-knowledge future without compromising its current architecture or relying on a single solution.
Risk warning: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as investment advice. The cryptocurrency market always carries many risks and high volatility. Please consider carefully before making any financial decisions.