StarkWare achieves a major milestone by successfully verifying the first zero-knowledge proof on the Bitcoin network, paving the way for enhanced transactional capacity and mass adoption. The use of the new STARK verifier, Stwo Verifier, marks significant progress in their efforts to scale Bitcoin through ZK proofs.
StarkWare has completed the first zero-knowledge (ZK) proof verification on the Bitcoin network, a significant milestone in its plan to scale Bitcoin for mass adoption. This verification was announced on Wednesday, following months of development and trials.
The verification used a new STARK verifier, named Stwo Verifier, on OP_CAT-enabled Bitcoin Signet. This initiative is part of StarkWare’s broader roadmap to enhance Bitcoin’s transactional capacity. In June, StarkWare outlined its intention to scale Bitcoin using ZK proofs, aiming to settle transactions on both Bitcoin and Ethereum and achieve thousands of transactions per second within six months following a potential Bitcoin upgrade, OP_CAT.
To support these developments, StarkWare offered a $1 million grant in June to encourage research on OP_CAT. Additionally, Maelstrom, a venture firm managed by BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes, has announced a Bitcoin Grant Program. This program aims to fund developers working on Bitcoin’s technical advancements, offering 12-month grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, with applications due by August 25.
