Blockchain cryptography firm Nil Foundation is planning to introduce a ZK-Rollup, a type of Layer 2 network on Ethereum featuring sharding technology. Named “zkSharding,” this Layer 2 solution will function as a zkEVM — a type of ZK-Rollup that can run existing Ethereum decentralized applications.
The Nil Foundation says that its objective is to provide an alternative approach to scaling by integrating multiple shards into a unified execution Layer 2. Such an approach combines modular and monolithic architectures to host data-intensive dapps. “We’re excited to finally announce zkSharding for Ethereum availability for the wider community of developers on top of Ethereum, making it suitable for running high-load and data-intensive applications like decentralized sequencers, programmable data availability solutions, exchanges, autonomous worlds, and so on,” said Misha Komarov, CEO and co-founder of Nil Foundation.
According to the Nil Foundation, the deployment of zkSharding merges various architectural principles. The architecture of zkSharding consists of a main shard, where zero-knowledge proofs authenticate transactions as part of the Layer 2 design, and sub-shards that serve to increase transaction capacity.
While Nil is typically recognized for its proof marketplace, which facilitates the exchange of cryptographic proofs, its introduction of its own ZK-Rollup indicates its entry into a competitive space that features projects like Polygon zkEVM, zkSync, and Scroll. In January 2023, Nil Foundation raised $22 million in a funding round led by Polychain Capital.© 2023 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only.