Guests Sims Gautam and Liam Eagen from Alpen Labs discuss utilizing ZK for Bitcoin L2s, BitVM, covenants, and SNARKnado. They explore the distinctions between Bridge Operators in Bitcoin and Eth L2s, creating DA and authentic synthetic assets, and ways to enhance trust models and security in Bitcoin.
Bitcoin's Layer 2 landscape explored with BitVM and covenants, emphasizing ZK proofs.
ZKHack Montreal event presents ZK learning opportunities for participants in 2024.
Gevalot offers ZK-powered proving infrastructure for developers, promoting privacy and scalability.
Deep dives
Bitcoin Layer 2 Landscape and ZK Integration
Bitcoin's Layer 2 landscape, including concepts like BitVM and covenants, is explored alongside the usage of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to enhance connections between Bitcoin and new execution environments. The discussion delves into the emergence of BitVM, the controversial notion of covenants, and the roles of bridge operators and sequencers in Bitcoin Layer 2 systems, contrasting them with Ethereum. The design of Snarknado, a bridge facilitating BTC movement to and from a roll-up, is detailed, emphasizing its fraud prevention mechanisms through ZK-powered round-based games and secure data storage.
ZKHack Montreal Event and ZK Learning Hub
The ZKHack Montreal event, scheduled for August 9th to 11th, 2024, is highlighted as a ZK learning hub where ZK-focused hackathons occur. The potential participants are encouraged to explore opportunities offered by the event, with an assurance of exciting judges and partners in attendance. Details on the venue, judges, and the event's significance are promised to be available on zkmontreal.com.
Gevalot and Elio: Innovative Blockchain Solutions
Gevalot is introduced as offering decentralized proving infrastructure with priority access for ZK Podcast listeners to start using high-performance proving infrastructure for free. Elio, a new layer-one blockchain emphasizing programmability, privacy, and scalability, indicates using zero-knowledge proofs across its stack, promoting a secure internet approach with its proprietary programming language, Leo, enabling boundless opportunities for ZK app developers.
Collaboration with Alpin Labs: Bitcoin ZK Intersection
The episode features discussions with Sims Gautam and Liam Egan from Alpin Labs, focusing on their collaboration in exploring the intersection between Bitcoin and zero-knowledge proofs. Sims shares his journey, highlighting the transition from working on computer vision to AI and blockchain. Liam's expertise in working with Snarks independently and at Blockstream echoes the historical progression of ZK applications in the cryptocurrency realm.
Challenges and Innovations in Bridging L2 Systems
The complexities surrounding bridging Bitcoin and Ethereum Layer 2 systems are dissected, delving into the roles and challenges faced by bridge operators and sequencers. Topics such as data availability, slashing conditions, free option exploit risks, and potential future developments like the integration of opcodes like CAT in Bitcoin are explored, touching on enhancing security and usability in cross-chain transactions.
In this week’s episode, Anna and Tarun chat with Sims Gautam and Liam Eagen from Alpen Labs. They dive into the world of Bitcoin L2s and focus on how ZK can be used to incorporate strong connections between Bitcoin and new execution environments. The group then explores BitVM, covenants, the distinction between the Bridge Operators and sequencers in this model and how this differs from how these actors work in Eth L2s. They then dive into SNARKnado, including what is happening under the hood, the ways in which this system offers round-based fraud games mixed with ZK and which agent provides DA and more.
ZK Hack Montreal has been announced for Aug 9 - 11! Apply to join the hackathon here.
Episode Sponsors
Gevulot is the first decentralized proving layer. With Gevulot, users can generate and verify proofs using any proof system, for any use case.
Gevulot is offering priority access to ZK Podcast listeners, register on gevulot.com and write “Zk Podcast” in the note field of the registration form!
Aleo is a new Layer-1 blockchain that achieves the programmability of Ethereum, the privacy of Zcash, and the scalability of a rollup.
