Polyhedra Network: Building the Largest Interoperable Bitcoin Ecosystem with zkBridge

Polyhedra
Polyhedra Network
Published in
7 min readJan 19, 2024

Bitcoin, the very first blockchain, is evolving continuously, and its ecosystem is currently experiencing rapid expansion since the emergence of the Ordinals protocol. To foster further growth of a robust Bitcoin ecosystem, there is a pressing need for a solution that not only enables seamless interactions within Bitcoin and its Layer-2 networks but also facilitates interoperability between the Bitcoin ecosystem and other blockchain ecosystems like Ethereum and Ethereum Layer-2s.

Addressing this need for interoperability, Polyhedra Network introduced the Bitcoin Messaging Protocol powered by zkBridge. This pioneering development expands Bitcoin’s functionality, enabling it to interact seamlessly with a range of blockchain networks, both Layer-1s and Layer-2s.

zkBridge, the interoperability protocol designed and implemented by Polyhedra Network, offers a trustless and efficient cross-chain solution powered by zero-knowledge proofs, not only within the Bitcoin ecosystem but also between Bitcoin and other blockchain networks.

Bitcoin Messaging Protocol with zkBridge

As the first trustless interoperability protocol between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other networks, we are working together with developers building cutting-edge infrastructures, Bitcoin Layer-2s, wallets, DeFi protocols, and tools within the Bitcoin ecosystem. Our zkBridge Bitcoin interoperability protocol will help the Bitcoin ecosystem to reach the entire crypto user base, securely and efficiently. Assets will no longer be constrained to the Bitcoin network itself or any other blockchain network. Developers can focus on building value-add projects without worrying about connecting Bitcoin with other chains. Complexities around wallets and accounts can be abstracted away, allowing developers to focus on bringing incredible user experiences. zkBridge enables fast, secure, and trustless cross-chain interactions, utilizing zero-knowledge proofs to eliminate the need for any third-party validation.

Leveraging zkBridge, Bitcoin can now securely transmit its current and historical data, utilizing zero-knowledge proofs, to 20+ networks including Bitcoin Layer-2s, Ethereum, and Ethereum Layer-2s. It is also compatible with recent Bitcoin innovations like Ordinals, BRC-20, and Atomicals. This enables smart contracts on other blockchain networks such as Ethereum and Bitcoin Layer-2s to trustlessly access Bitcoin data and protocols, and make all kinds of computing logics, and the security is guaranteed by zero-knowledge proofs.

Furthermore, when we want to send messages and cross-chain transfer assets from another blockchain to Bitcoin, we need to overcome Bitcoin’s lack of smart contract functionality. Our solution employs a Proof-of-Stake mechanism. Validators stake tokens from sender chains and are authorized to write data on Bitcoin, ensuring secure cross-chain transactions. We further enhance our solution by integrating with EigenLayer and Babylon, and introducing a well-designed slashing mechanism for crypto-economic security.

Introducing the Largest Interoperable Bitcoin Ecosystem Empowered by zkBridge

The industry is at the very beginning of the development and expansion of the Bitcoin ecosystem, and we are excited to support the builders committed to unlocking the full potential.

We have teamed up with key builders within the Bitcoin ecosystem for infrastructures, wallets, Bitcoin layer-2s, DeFi, and tools. We are excited to introduce the largest Interoperable Bitcoin Ecosystem Empowered by our zkBridge.

Please check the detailed collaboration scope as follows:

OKX Wallet: One-stop web3 entrance for Bitcoin ecosystem.

zkBridge has integrated OKX Wallet, and we build together to enhance the interoperability and innovation of the entire Bitcoin ecosystem.

UniSat Wallet: an open-source Chrome extension for Bitcoin ordinals & BRC-20 assets.

UniSat partners with us to explore cross-chain BTC, BRC-20, and Ordinals NFT with zkBridge, and empowers the Bitcoin ecosystem with ZK and MPC technology.

EigenLayer: A platform that helps decentralized networks launch with robust trust by leveraging Ethereum stakers & validators.

By integrating with EigenLayer, our zkBridge Bitcoin messaging protocol can tap into the large crypto-economic security from Ethereum, and for the first time, create significant connectivity between the Bitcoin and Ethereum community.

Babylon: Unlocking 21 million to secure the decentralized economy.

The deep integration of Babylon Bitcoin staking with our zkBridge will bring Bitcoin security to the entire Web3 industry with trustless scalability and interoperability.

Syscoin: the ultimate foundation of the industry’s best #DataAvailability solution, #PoDA, and one of the only running on Bitcoin.

We integrate Syscoin’s merged mining system with our zkBridge, helping to bring #BTC’s security to the masses and rapidly expand Bitcoin’s ecosystem.

Bitmap: Building a Layer 2 to unleash the potential of native Bitcoin assets.

By integrating zkBridge, Bitmap’s Merlin Chain will make native assets more accessible and versatile than ever. This Bitcoin Layer 2 is set to unleash the potential of native Bitcoin assets.

Bitlayer: The first Bitcoin security-equivalent Layer 2 based on BitVM.

Bitlayer has partnered with us to enable fast and secure interoperability for the Bitcoin Layer 2 via zkBridge.

B² Network: A Bitcoin Layer 2 network implemented through ZK Rollup and an on-chain logical gate commitment verification mechanism.

B² Network collaborates with zkBridge to enhance the security of rollups on Bitcoin with B² data availability layer and B² Hub.

BEVM: Building the first EVM-compatible Bitcoin Layer 2 based on Taproot while using BTC as gas.

BEVM integrates zkBridge for a fully decentralized Bitcoin Layer 2.

Rootstock: An EVM-compatible Bitcoin sidechain that enables users to create/execute smart contracts and dApps on the Bitcoin network.

The integration with zkBridge acts as a transportation layer between Bitcoin and Rootstock allowing Ordinals and BRC-20 passage from L1 to L2.

LumiBit: The first Bitcoin Layer 2 based on ZK-rollup, integrating Scroll’s solution for full EVM equivalence & Bitcoin’s native account abstraction.

LumiBit & Polyhedra teaming up for seamless cross-chain transactions, revolutionizing blockchain interoperability.

bitSmiley: The leading Bitcoin DeFi protocol, anchored by bitUSD.

bitSmiley uses zkBridge as a secure bridging solution for data interoperability between Layer 1 and Layer 2 and as an oracle to improve the robustness and availability of their solution.

Atomicals Market: Marketplace and explorer for Atomicals and ARC-20.

Atomicals Market is now teaming up with zkBridge to explore cross-chain solutions for ARC-20 assets, and to enhance the security of the indexer for Atomicals Protocol.

BTCBot: A powerful BRC-20 Telegram Bot for aggregated trading and auto sniping.

BTCBot partners with zkBridge to provide users with multichain buy orders of assets on Layer 2 with BTC.

ReadOn: REON is shaping a vibrant ecosystem within Bitcoin with a focus on social engagement and incubation initiatives.

ReadOn teamed up with us to bolster security for secure and efficient cross-chain Bitcoin and Ordinal transactions.

StakeStone: The omnichain liquidity distribution network with staking and future restaking yields.

StakeStone integrates zkBridge to bridge $STONE — a liquid restaking token, to the Bitcoin ecosystem with liquidity and staking yields.

Particle Network: The first account abstraction protocol on Bitcoin — BTC Connect.

Particle Network partners with zkBridge to enhance the security of applications in the Bitcoin ecosystem.

About Polyhedra Network

Polyhedra Network is building and pioneering the next generation of Web3 interoperability with advanced zero-knowledge proof protocols. Our team has designed and implemented the zkBridge protocol, providing trustless and efficient cross-chain infrastructures for layer-1 and layer-2 interoperability. With zero-knowledge proofs, zkBridge offers strong security without relying on external assumptions and a significant reduction in on-chain verification costs. Polyhedra Network recently introduced the Bitcoin messaging protocol with zkBridge, bringing trustless interoperability to the Bitcoin ecosystem through zero-knowledge proof technology.

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Polyhedra Network
Polyhedra Network

Published in Polyhedra Network

Polyhedra is building foundational infrastructure for scalability in AI and blockchain systems to enable secure, verifiable, high-performance applications.

Polyhedra
Polyhedra

Written by Polyhedra

Polyhedra is building foundational infrastructure for scalability in AI and blockchain systems to enable secure, verifiable, high-performance applications.

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