Zero-Knowledge Proofs

A revolutionizing approach to enhancing user security and development on blockchain.

What are ZK proofs?

A zero-knowledge proof is a cryptographic method by which one party (the prover) can prove to the other party (the verifier) that the information they need to validate is correct without revealing any information other than the validity of it. In doing so, this keeps any related data private and helps prevent the risk of fraud.

For example, if someone needs to use your driver's license to check your age, a dApp built with ZK proofs can provide a credible validation without compromising your personal information, like your name or home address.

Keeping Crypto Out of Smart Contracts

Kadena’s distinct security architecture and integration of Zero-Knowledge proofs keep crypto out of smart contracts. This principle minimizes the risk of vulnerabilities within smart contract logic, while the use of Zero-Knowledge proofs for transaction validation further strengthens security without compromising integrity. With Kadena, developers can confidently focus on innovation, knowing their smart contracts are secure and reliable.

ZK on Kadena

  • Capabilities

    Capabilities in Pact provide a method of granting permissions to smart contracts without directly incorporating cryptographic elements into the smart contract. Kadena uses signature verification code as an Service Provider Interface (SPI) plugin, meaning that the Pact smart contract only sees the capability for whatever functionality the signature is specified to guard as opposed to seeing the entire primitive.

  • Verifier Plugins

    Verifier plugins illustrate a ZK proof’s existence by including the validity of the proof in a block and verifying it. The verifier plugin approach, enabled by the SPI, allows partners to submit the existence of a proof without polluting a Pact smart contract with all of the data contained within the proof primitive.

  • Language Flexibility

    Verifier plugins do not have to be written in Pact in the way that Ethereum smart contracts have to be written in Solidity — this allows ZK contracts on Kadena to be priced more cheaply. ZK data is factored out so you only have to work with the data that ZK validates, or the proof of the existence that a proof has been done, instead of including all of the data from a verifier primitive in the smart contract.

  • Succinctness

    Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) are succinct due to their small proof sizes, allowing for quick transmission and verification. The verification uses non-interactive computational effort, further simplifying the process. ZKPs provide universality and scalability while preserving privacy by disclosing only the correctness of the statement being proved, overall bolstering efficiency when implemented on Kadena's blockchain.

Lurk Partnership

Kadena has partnered with Lurk Lab, an innovative leader in the ZKP field, to build out a Zero-Knowledge Proof tech stack on Kadena’s blockchain that will pave the way for cross-chain zero-knowledge (ZK) proof messaging. The partnership’s roadmap includes the development of a ZK bridge from Ethereum to Kadena, a ZK light client, and Wormhole integration.

lurk labs

Milestones of the Partnership

Milestones of the Partnership 

  • ZK Bridge (Ethereum to Kadena)

    The first partnership milestone focuses on building a ZK bridge from Ethereum to Kadena. This will include a ZK light client for Ethereum, implementing cryptographic circuits, and creating a platform for generating and verifying zero-knowledge proofs. This milestone also includes developing smart contracts for Lurk proof verification and enhancing the computational efficiency of ChainWeb's node software.

  • ZK Bridge (Kadena to Ethereum)

    The second milestone extends these developments to facilitate a ZK bridge from Kadena to Ethereum, emphasizing the creation of verification tools and smart contracts tailored to Kadena and Ethereum environments.

  • ZK Bridge Applications

    The third milestone aims to leverage the ZK bridge to create a broader range of applications, such as a Wormhole integration. This involves enhancing Chainweb’s capabilities to interpret Ethereum's Virtual Machine (EVM) and managing the state transfer between ChainWeb and Ethereum.

opact wallet

Opact wallet

Kadena-grantee Opact Wallet is a strong example of how ZK technology is being used on Kadena. Opact provides privacy and security for blockchain transactions while maintaining institutional compliance, as it prevents malicious activities such as money laundering and financing terrorism. Opact was developed by Hack-a-Chain, a Brazilian Web3 laboratory specialized in zero-knowledge and other advanced cryptographic techniques

Create an Opact Wallet

Learn More