Into the Bytecode #49 – Jim Posen on cryptographic acceleration with Binius
Feb 13, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Jim Posen, Co-founder and CTO at Irreducible and cryptography expert, shares his insights on cryptographic acceleration. He dives into the revival of binary fields and their significance in creating a verifiable internet. Jim explores innovative chip designs aimed at enhancing cryptographic applications and the challenges of proof generation. He also highlights the importance of decentralized systems and digital identities while sharing his journey through the evolution of cryptographic protocols, laying out a vision for the future of secure online interactions.
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Cryptography's Allure
- Jim Posen's interest in cryptography grew from delving into blockchain protocols and scaling solutions.
- He pursued deeper cryptographic knowledge at Stanford, driven by complex research papers.
Cryptography's Evolution
- Early cryptography was specialized, with applied cryptography like AES and TLS separate from academic cryptography.
- The emergence of blockchain prompted engineers to implement and improve theoretical cryptographic primitives, leading to more accessible systems and frameworks.
Engineering Cryptography
- Applying an engineering lens to cryptography has improved protocol architecture, modularity, and legibility.
- Irreducible's focus on binary fields arose from hardware engineers recognizing their benefits.