Polynomials are quintessential in machine learning for establishing relationships between outputs and inputs. However, there is also a field in cryptography which could not be made possible without polynomials - zero-knowledge technology. In zero-knowledge proof systems, computations are often represented as arithmetic circuits, and these circuits are translated into polynomials. This process is crucial for generating proofs that can demonstrate the correctness of computations without revealing the underlying data. The involved complexity explains the massive adoption hurdle for zk rollups compared to optimistic ones. Succinct aims to simplify the use of zero-knowledge proofs by providing a zkVM (SP1) that allows code written in languages like Rust to be proven in a privacy-preserving way. By doing so, it aims to lower the barrier to implementing zk-rollups and increase their adoption.Topics covered in this episode:Uma’s background and her interest in zero knowledge techHow Succinct’s story beganZK light clientsZK circuitsSP1 and the RISC-V instruction setThe prover networkUse casesZK rollups and commoditizing ZKPsIncentivizing proversSuccinct’s business modelSupported blockchain applicationsBottlenecks in ZK adoptionSuccinct metricsSP1’s competitive advantage and future roadmapThe real world impact of verifiabilityEpisode links:Uma Roy on XSuccinct on XSponsors:Gnosis: Gnosis builds decentralized infrastructure for the Ethereum ecosystem, since 2015. This year marks the launch of Gnosis Pay— the world's first Decentralized Payment Network. Get started today at - gnosis.ioChorus1: Chorus1 is one of the largest node operators worldwide, supporting more than 100,000 delegators, across 45 networks. The recently launched OPUS allows staking up to 8,000 ETH in a single transaction. Enjoy the highest yields and institutional grade security at - chorus.oneThis episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst.

Edan Yago, a contributor to BitcoinOS with extensive experience in Bitcoin development, discusses the transformative potential of Bitcoin as a programmable asset. He highlights the historical significance of block 853626, enabling zero-knowledge proofs on Bitcoin for the first time. Yago explores how BitcoinOS could revolutionize cryptocurrency by unlocking applications like staking and governance. He also contrasts Bitcoin's evolving programmability with Ethereum's smart contracts while discussing the implications of the recent U.S. election on the crypto landscape.

Misha Putiatin, Co-founder and CEO of Symbiotic, shares insights on their innovative restaking protocol aimed at enhancing decentralization in blockchain networks. He discusses the challenges of bootstrapping validator sets and the importance of maintaining decentralization. Misha explains how Symbiotic's architecture promotes economic security and details the role of Liquid Restaking Tokens in optimizing staking models. The conversation also touches on the future of restaking across various blockchains and the balance between smart contract immutability and necessary upgrades.

Ari Juels, a Cornell professor and chief scientist at Chainlink, dives into the potential perils when AI meets blockchain. He warns about rogue smart contracts that could be weaponized for criminal purposes and discusses their convoluted relationship with large language models. Juels also tackles the evolving landscape of decentralized organizations, ethical considerations in governance, and the importance of transparency to prevent malicious activities. Plus, he elaborates on innovative metrics like 'voting block entropy' that could reshape DAO performance assessments.

Bitcoin’s lack of native programmability, coupled with advancements in zero knowledge cryptography, has led to rollups being explored as a substitute for an execution layer. Citrea’s approach involves using Bitcoin as a data availability & settlement layer for their zero knowledge rollup. These rollups not only lower transaction costs, but they also enable smart contracts to use Bitcoin’s L1 security and further incentivise miners to secure the chain despite halving rewards. In order to inherit Bitcoin’s security, zk proofs are inscribed in Bitcoin blocks.Topics covered in this episode:Orkun’s backgroundInscriptions, BitVM and zk rollups on BitcoinOptimistic bridgingSequencerProgrammability solutions on BitcoinBitVM developmentCitrea ecosystem developmentcBTC vs. custodial wrapped BTCThere is no second best!PoW, halving block rewards and how rollups incentivise minersCitrea’s efficiency & fee reductionBitcoin as an inflation hedgeEpisode links:Orkun Mahir Kilic on TwitterCitrea on TwitterBitVMSponsors:Gnosis: Gnosis builds decentralized infrastructure for the Ethereum ecosystem, since 2015. This year marks the launch of Gnosis Pay— the world's first Decentralized Payment Network. Get started today at - gnosis.ioChorus1: Chorus1 is one of the largest node operators worldwide, supporting more than 100,000 delegators, across 45 networks. The recently launched OPUS allows staking up to 8,000 ETH in a single transaction. Enjoy the highest yields and institutional grade security at - chorus.oneThis episode is hosted by Felix Lutsch.

Adrian Brink, Co-founder of Anoma, dives into the revolutionary concept of cross-chain interoperability and privacy in decentralized applications. He explores how Anoma transforms traditional dApps into an intent-driven model, allowing users to define desired outcomes more easily. The discussion highlights the significance of a modular architecture and the importance of decentralization for resilient infrastructure. Adrian also addresses the challenges and innovations in cryptocurrency privacy, emphasizing user agency amidst regulatory changes.

In a world where everyone chases every basis point of marginal return, core values are often overlooked. The emergence of liquid staking protocols made stake delegation a norm rather than an exception. The hassles of running their own node and dealing with slashing risks were often too much of a burden for regular users. Dappnode offers both hardware and open-source software solutions for home stakers which are as facile to implement as a plug-n-play device. Their newly released Dappnode Smooth aims to offer the advantages of staking pools (via smart contracts), without centralisation risks.Topics covered in this episode:Eduardo’s and Pol’s backgroundsFounding DappnodeDappnode userbaseSupported networksDappnode’s tech stackSetting up DappnodeDappstoreUpdating nodesDappnode hardware usage percentageDappnode SmoothSolo staking vs. liquid stakingDistributed validator technology (DVT)RestakingETH issuanceFuture roadmap for DappnodeEpisode links:Eduardo Antuna on TwitterPol Lanski on TwitterDappnode on TwitterSponsors:Gnosis: Gnosis builds decentralized infrastructure for the Ethereum ecosystem, since 2015. This year marks the launch of Gnosis Pay— the world's first Decentralized Payment Network. Get started today at - gnosis.ioChorus1: Chorus1 is one of the largest node operators worldwide, supporting more than 100,000 delegators, across 45 networks. The recently launched OPUS allows staking up to 8,000 ETH in a single transaction. Enjoy the highest yields and institutional grade security at - chorus.oneThis episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst.

Dan Held, a notable Bitcoin educator and general partner at Asymmetric, shares his journey from marketing at Kraken to launching a Bitcoin DeFi fund. He discusses how the emergence of Ordinals has unveiled Bitcoin's untapped potential, driving interest in Layer 2 solutions. Held explores DeFi's transformational impact on Bitcoin, the significance of OPCAT for scalability, and the challenges of maintaining decentralization. He also touches on the future of transaction fees and how they relate to network security, painting an optimistic picture for Bitcoin's evolution.

Join Jason Yanowitz, co-founder of BlockWorks, as he reveals the evolution of their crypto media brand and the landscape of cryptocurrency conferences. He discusses how AI and meme coins are reshaping the market, and the challenges of decentralized application technology. The conversation touches on the complexities of stablecoins, including yield distribution and the competitive dynamics of the market. From podcasting strategies to the future of crypto applications, this engaging discussion covers it all!

Konstantin Lomashuk, co-founder of cyber•Fund and Lido DAO, dives deep into the evolution of the cybernetic economy and his entrepreneurial journey. He reflects on early investments in cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and the foundational moments of the Cosmos Network. Konstantin emphasizes the challenges of scaling businesses and the significance of decentralized governance. He also contrasts Solana and Ethereum, discussing their paths to innovation and the integration of AI in crypto, raising concerns about centralization while exploring new investment opportunities.