The hosts reflect on the exciting advancements in zero-knowledge technology from 2024, including innovations in hash-based SNARKs and lattice cryptography. They delve into the complexities of ZKTLS and highlight the challenges developers face with Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machines. Quantum computing complications and their real-world applications are examined, along with the competitive dynamics in the blockchain space. The conversation wraps up with insights into cryptocurrency's mainstream integration and the future of ZK technology in 2025.
2024 saw significant advancements in ZK technology, particularly with the rise of hash-based SNARKs surpassing curve-based alternatives in dominance.
The ZK community shifted focus toward application development, highlighting a perceived decline in innovation from unique applications to framework building.
Looking ahead to 2025, there is optimism for ZK technology to enhance everyday applications and enable client-side proof generation for improved privacy.
Deep dives
Significant Advances in Zero Knowledge Research
In 2024, there were notable advancements in zero knowledge (ZK) research, particularly in hash-based succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge (SNARKs) and their implementations. The year witnessed the debut of Circle Starks and other critical projects that advanced the associated cryptographic techniques. A significant trend was the emerging competition between hash-based and curve-based SNARKs, with hash-based proving to be more dominant by the year’s end. This development sparked intense discussions about the future viability and application of both methods in ZK technology.
The Shift Towards ZK Applications
As 2024 unfolded, the focus within the ZK community shifted towards developing applications over core infrastructure. Emerging concepts like ZKTLS gained attention, though the term raised questions regarding its accuracy since it blurs the lines between traditional cryptography and multi-party computation. The conversation centered around the need for applications to leverage ZK tools effectively rather than solely relying on foundational elements. The discussion highlighted a broader concern that many ZK projects transitioned from building unique applications to creating underlying frameworks, reflecting a perceived setback in innovation.
Challenges in the Zero Knowledge Space
The ZK landscape faced several challenges in 2024, notably regarding applications and competition within the ecosystem. Conversations emerged around the emotional toll competition had taken, revealing an increasingly aggressive atmosphere among key players. Additionally, concerns arose regarding the potential stagnation of ZK technologies, with many fearing roll-ups might become the primary consumers of proof technology with minimal diversity in application. This uncertainty highlighted the pressing need for real-world, standalone ZK applications to emerge rather than relying on an infrastructure-centric approach.
Predictions for Zero Knowledge in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, there is hope for a greater emphasis on integrating ZK technology into everyday applications, ideally allowing consumers to utilize ZK proofs directly from personal devices, such as smartphones. The anticipated developments could allow proofs to occur on the client side, enhancing both privacy and user experience. Another expectation revolves around the commercial viability of existing applications, suggesting that facing the market with established ZK tools could yield successful outcomes compared to the search for entirely new offerings. The overarching goal remains to transition from merely theoretical discussions to practical implementations that benefit end-users.
The Evolution of Proving Technology
The discourse about proving technology emphasized the need to streamline processes for generating ZK proofs without overly burdening users or developers. A significant innovation discussed was achieving efficient proofs that minimize overhead, aligning the proving time closely with the actions they verify. The conversation suggested that as technology improves, the expectations for greater accessibility and integration of ZK proofs within applications will rise, urging developers to break free from traditional constraints. This evolution is foundational for making ZK technology more commonplace and viable across diverse sectors.
This week, Anna catches up with cohosts, Tarun, Nico and Guillermo to do a look back at the zk research and applications that came out in 2024. They go on to discuss the challenges facing the ecosystem. And they wrap with a brief look forward, covering what to expect in ZK in 2025.
This will be the last ep of 2024, thank you for joining us this year!
