What is ZKsync?
ZKsync is a Layer 2 blockchain scaling solution for Ethereum, developed by Matter Labs. It leverages zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups) to process thousands of transactions at a fraction of Ethereum’s cost, while maintaining decentralization, security, and privacy.
ZKsync is more than just a scaling tool—it’s the foundation of the Elastic Network, an interconnected ecosystem of customizable chains powered by zero-knowledge technology. This makes it one of the most advanced platforms for developers, institutions, and users looking to scale Ethereum without compromise.
Key Highlights:
- Ticker: $ZK
- Network: ZKsync Era
- Max Supply: 21,000,000,000
- Website: zksync.io
- Contract Address: 0x5A7d6b2F92C77FAD6CCaBd7EE0624E64907Eaf3E
History of ZKsync
ZKsync was created in 2019 by Matter Labs, co-founded by Alex Gluchowski. The project aimed to solve Ethereum’s biggest challenges: high transaction fees and slow throughput.
By using ZK rollups (off-chain processing with on-chain verification) and validiums (off-chain data storage with ZK proofs), ZKsync ensures every transaction is mathematically verifiable, eliminating the need for trust in intermediaries.
From the beginning, ZKsync has upheld Ethereum’s principles:
- Freedom: Open access for anyone, anywhere.
- Self-sovereignty: Full user ownership of assets and data.
- Decentralization: A staged roadmap toward full community governance.
Today, ZKsync is leading the ZK Revolution, making Ethereum scalable, private, and accessible on a global scale.
What is the Goal of ZKsync?
ZKsync’s mission, outlined in the ZK Credo, is to bring freedom, progress, and prosperity to all through scalable and privacy-preserving blockchain infrastructure.
Its guiding principles include:
- Integrity: Verifiable correctness for all transactions.
- Privacy: User data protection as a basic right.
- Security: Resistance to even the most powerful adversaries.
- Censorship-resistance: Permissionless participation.
- Hyperscalability: Unlimited growth while preserving decentralization.
- Accessibility & Sovereignty: Affordable, user-friendly services with full exit rights.
In essence, ZKsync envisions Ethereum as the backbone of the Internet of Value.
ZKsync Ecosystem: The Elastic Network
The Elastic Network is a growing family of 19+ ZKsync-powered chains, each designed for specific industries. These chains are customizable, verifiable, and interconnected, enabling infinite scalability.
Notable examples include:
- ZKsync Era: The original chain, home of on-chain governance and $2.4B+ in RWA TVL (second only to Ethereum).
- Abstract: Built by the Pudgy Penguins team, pioneering consumer-focused Layer 2 culture.
- Memento: The world’s first Prividium L2, working with UBS and Deutsche Bank on institutional pilots.
- Union Chain: Partnered with Coins.ph, expanding financial access across Southeast Asia.
- ZK Candy: Gaming-focused chain by iCandy Interactive, onboarding millions of gamers.
- Lens: A social platform bringing Web3-native social and financial experiences.
Other active or testnet projects include Sophon, Cronos zkEVM, LaChain, Xsolla, GRVT, LIFT, Zero Network, Heurist, Space and Time, Nodle, Creator, and XPLA.
Union Chain: Bridging TradFi and Crypto in Southeast Asia
Union Chain, powered by ZKsync, is a groundbreaking Layer 2 initiative backed by Coins.ph, Coinhako, Indodax, Coins.co.th, InvestaX, and IXSwap. Designed to unite traditional finance (TradFi) with crypto, Union Chain provides regulated tokenization, payments, and remittance solutions tailored for Southeast Asia. By leveraging ZKsync’s scalability and security, Union Chain connects 20M+ KYC’d users across the region, opening new markets for digital assets and real-world financial products.
What is $ZK? Tokenomics and Use Cases
The $ZK token powers governance, security, and cross-chain activity within the ZKsync ecosystem.
Current Use Cases
- Governance: Vote on protocol upgrades and delegate tokens.
- Gas Token for Gateway: Used for cross-chain transactions across the Elastic Network.
Future Tokenomics (ZKnomics Proposal)
- Usage-Driven Revenue: Protocol fees from sequencers and interoperability.
- Programmatic Distribution: Fees split between burning (supply control) and staking rewards.
- Staking & Governance: Decentralized security through validator participation.
⚠️ Disclaimer: $ZK tokenomics may change subject to regulatory guidance. This is for educational purposes only, not investment advice.
What Makes ZKsync Unique?
ZKsync stands out among blockchain projects with its “no-compromise” approach:
- ZK-Powered Scaling: Near-infinite scalability with cryptographic verification.
- Elastic Network: Seamless interoperability between public and private chains.
- Developer Experience: EVM-equivalent bytecode, multi-language tooling, and SDKs.
- User Experience: Smart wallets, biometric sign-on, instant low-cost transactions.
- Privacy Options: Enterprise-grade validiums and account-level confidentiality.
- Decentralized Governance: Checks and balances via Token Assembly, Security Council, and Guardians.
ZKsync Roadmap: What’s Coming in 2025 and Beyond
ZKsync’s vision is to make crypto as easy to use as today’s best apps, while preserving decentralization and privacy.
Key 2025 Roadmap Goals:
- Developer Tools: Bytecode-level EVM equivalence, LLVM tooling, VS Code debugger.
- Performance: Targeting 10,000 TPS at $0.0001 per transfer (under optimal conditions).
- Security: Stage 1 decentralization (forced inclusion + multiple sequencers).
- Privacy: Launch of Prividiums for enterprise-grade confidentiality.
- Interoperability: Native, trustless cross-chain transfers across public & private ZK chains.
- Wallets: Smart accounts with biometric sign-on for mainstream adoption.
- Liquidity Hub: Era chain positioned as the #2 RWA chain with $2.4B+ TVL.
⚠️ Note: TVL and performance figures are estimates and subject to change. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.