Yeliz Akmaca 
The Ethereum Foundation is preparing a major structural upgrade for its network. The foundation announced a plan to integrate zero-knowledge (ZK) proof technology directly into Ethereum’s Layer 1. The goal is to launch the L1 zkEVM system within the next year.
This system will allow validators to verify proofs generated by different zkVMs instead of re-executing every transaction. According to an official blog post, this roadmap will be implemented within one year. The new system will eliminate the need for traditional block re-execution.
This announcement coincides with Ethereum (ETH) surpassing $3,000. Ethereum researcher Sophia Gold shared key technical targets of the new system, including latency under 10 seconds, proof sizes below 300 KiB, and 128-bit security. Moreover, Ethereum plans to extend ZK proofs across all layers of the network, aiming to enhance both privacy and efficiency.
How Will This Affect Layer 2 ZK Rollup Projects?
Ethereum’s move creates both opportunities and challenges for Layer 2 ZK Rollup projects. Integrating ZK technology directly into Layer 1 may render some independent solutions redundant. However, the Ethereum Foundation presents this transition differently.
The foundation emphasizes collaboration with zkVM projects to establish real-time proving standards across the industry. Consequently, many ZK-focused startups will need to align with Ethereum’s technical benchmarks.
Ethereum’s co-founder Vitalik Buterin has previously stressed the importance of simplifying Layer 1 to maintain scalability long-term. The new zkEVM system fits perfectly within this vision. Additionally, Ethereum’s ZK transformation goes beyond transaction proofs. Future goals include client-side privacy solutions, signature aggregation, and more innovations. This will make Layer 1 truly ZK-friendly.
In conclusion, Ethereum’s ZK-focused upgrade marks a new era in the ecosystem. Rather than competing, Layer 2 projects can focus on building tools that integrate smoothly with Ethereum’s standards. Industry-wide standardization and cooperation will take center stage.
You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.