StarkWare unveils an ambitious $1 million research fund. This initiative is poised to propel the exploration of Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology and its potential to scale Bitcoin and Ethereum simultaneously.
The fund’s primary focus lies in fostering research into OP_CAT, a highly anticipated technical proposal currently under consideration by the Bitcoin community. By leveraging the power of ZK proofs, specifically StarkWare’s proprietary Scalable Transparent Argument of Knowledge (STARK) cryptography, this initiative aims to unlock a new era of scalability for blockchain networks.
Empowering Global Accessibility and Micropayments
StarkWare’s vision lies in a commitment to realizing Satoshi Nakamoto’s concept of enabling seamless, everyday micropayments and fostering a truly global, inclusive digital economy.
Eli Ben-Sasson, StarkWare’s CEO and co-inventor of the cheat-proof ZK cryptography, underscored the profound significance of this endeavor, stating, “Crypto can clean up the digital world and finance. It can deliver integrity to money and rebalance power in our society, taking it away from big tech and restoring it to sovereign individuals. It’s a tool to empower humans and grassroots communities. In short, it’s a source of good. Therefore, we need a vision that showcases this and that is relevant for all. I left my calm career in academia to go after this vision.”
He further said, ” No such vision is complete without scaling the chain that started this great project. Scale Bitcoin and we unleash blockchain’s power to transform the world.
Should the OP_CAT proposal garner approval from the Bitcoin community, StarkWare stands ready to expedite the implementation of its STARK scaling solution on the blockchain. Ben-Sasson expressed confidence in the company’s ability to prepare the technology for testing and mainstream deployment within six months of approval, potentially even sooner.
However, undeterred by potential roadblocks, StarkWare remains proactive in exploring contingency plans. Ben-Sasson hinted at alternative solutions, stating, “If OP_CAT isn’t approved, we’re exploring solutions to deliver STARK scale without it, providing a basis for a workaround.”
Notably, StarkWare’s initiative extends beyond the confines of a single blockchain ecosystem. As Ben-Sasson stated, “We aren’t Ethereum maxis; we are scaling maxis.” This mindset underscores the company’s commitment to fostering cross-ecosystem collaboration and driving scalability across various decentralized networks, including the pioneering Bitcoin blockchain.
Ben- Sasson’s vision, outlines how and why StarkWare intends to scale Bitcoin in a fully-decentralized manner. StarkWare will also be working with thought leaders in the Bitcoin space as well as the broader Bitcoin community to make sure any scaling implementations are done judiciously and with Satoshi’s original vision in mind.
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