RISC Zero explained: zkVM, verifiable computation and the trusted setup
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Explains RISC Zero's RISC-V zkVM, which lets developers write ZK apps in Rust without circuits, with use cases like ZK coprocessors and ZK fraud proofs for Optimism. Covers the trusted setup ceremony and the author's expectation of a participant airdrop.
Key claims
R0 zkVM 1.0 has launched
Ceremony contributions are open until 10 May 03:00 UTC
No airdrop is confirmed
Modular airdrops are huge because we're talking game-changing infrastructure projects that launch at multi-billion $$$ FDVs
After $TIA, $ALT, $DYM or $AVAIL, I will focus on @RiscZero
zkVMs & scalable, general-purpose proving is the next frontier of ZK innovation
🪂-Alpha 🧵 t.co/skb8pdmLbT
1/ @RiscZero is creating the infrastructure & tooling necessary for devs to build software powered by ZK technology.
This marks the beginning of a new paradigm, enabling a key concept: verifiable computation.
2/ Verifiable computation makes it possible to pair a program's output with a self-certifying receipt.
This means a skeptical third party to verify correct execution and the verifier doesn't need to repeat the original computation or even see the inputs to the program.
3/ Verifiable computation is a game changer for the resilience & economics of operating the computing infrastructure we all rely on.
It means that you can run any resource-intensive computation off-chain, only verifying a succinct proof on-chain to ensure correct execution.
4/ Verifiable computation enables a number of use cases. Key among these are:
✦ ZK Coprocessors
Enable blockchain applications to reduce gas costs by moving the expensive part of their application logic off-chain.
x.com/RiscZero/status/1677316664772132864
5/
✦ Optimistic rollups with ZK fraud proofs
This includes @RiscZero's work with @Optimism
x.com/TheBlock__/status/1682384305685770240
6/ The RISC Zero zkVM is based on the RISC-V instruction set and can prove the correct execution of arbitrary code.
It allows developers to build ZK applications in languages like Rust and C++.
7/ The big breakthrough of the zkVM is making it possible to build a ZK application without having to build a circuit (very complex) and without writing in a custom language (friction for devs).
8/ By allowing devs to build in Rust and leverage the maturity of the Rust ecosystem, the zkVM makes it easy for devs to quickly build meaningful ZK apps.
No background in advanced mathematics or cryptography needed.
9/ @RiscZero has built a number of applications and primitives showcasing these capabilities, including:
✦ Zeth: Prove the correct construction of an entire Ethereum block or an entire Optimism block (see visual below)
✦ Bonsai Pay: send Ethereum to someone's gmail address
10/
✦ JSON: Prove the contents of some entry in a JSON file, while keeping the rest of the data private
✦ Where's Waldo: Prove that Waldo appears in a JPG file, while keeping the rest of the image private
11/
✦ ZK Checkmate: Prove you see a mate-in-one, without revealing the winning move
✦ ZK Proof of Exploit: Prove that you could exploit an Ethereum account, without revealing the exploit (see visual below)
✦ ECDSA signature verification: Prove validity of ECDSA signature
12/ Recently, @RiscZero has announced the launch of R0 zkVM 1.0
x.com/RiscZero/status/1780321429361500649
13/ The first step on the road to production is the trusted setup ceremony.
x.com/RiscZero/status/1781110200923275769
14/ Basically, a trusted setup ceremony is about creating a number that nobody knows and nobody can figure out (important so the ZK tech isn't compromisable).
Every participant contributes a portion of the number and everyone collectively forgets what was contributed.
15/ Hence, no malicious actor can figure out what the number we created is without knowing what each person contributed.
As long as at least one person actually forgot what they contributed, this prevents anyone from knowing or figuring out the number.
16/ While that is a simplified explanation, it serves the purpose here.
What matters, is that it is important to have a large number of participants in such a ceremony to reduce the likelihood of anyone being able to find out the number.
17/ That's why the community plays an important role here.
Participating in securing the trusted setup ceremony is a valuable contribution you can make to @RiscZero.
I expect participants to be rewarded (airdrop incoming 🪂 👀 ).
18/ To qualify for a potential @RiscZero airdrop, contribute to the ceremony once it is open for participation until the 10th of May at 03:00 UTC.
19/ The deadline was just extended as there is so many people in the queue already.
Be fast to join as already now it is probably difficult to make it in time.
x.com/RiscZero/status/1782577593813983318
20/ You can find a detailed guide on what to do here! 👇
www.risczero.com/blog/ceremony-contribution-public-instructions
21/ And even if you don't make it this time, stay tuned as it will only be the 1st opportunity of many to get involved!
There is no confirmation on airdrop yet but I'm confident on this one and will participate wherever I can.
DYOR and don't fade anon. @RiscZero will be huge!
That's a wrap! I hope you've found this thread helpful! 🫡
Make sure to follow me @zerokn0wledge_ to stay ahead of the curve on ZK tech-related innovation.
Like/Repost of the below post is also highly appreciated! 🙏👇
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