• Boundless has launched a cross-chain system that settles zero-knowledge proofs from Ethereum and Base on Bitcoin with out altering Bitcoin’s protocol.
  • The design makes use of BitVM and Citrea to confirm off-chain computation whereas conserving execution on sensible contract chains.
  • The method displays a broader shift towards utilizing Bitcoin as a impartial settlement and safety layer for rollups.

The Boundless workforce has unveiled a cross-chain verification system that permits Bitcoin to function the settlement and verification layer for zero-knowledge proofs generated on Ethereum-based networks. Developed by the ZK community launched by RISC Zero, the system is meant to settle computation-heavy proofs on Bitcoin whereas leaving execution on sensible contract platforms comparable to Ethereum and Base.

Below the preliminary rollout, ZK proofs produced on Ethereum mainnet and Base Layer 2 are verified and finalised utilizing Bitcoin, successfully linking programmable execution environments to Bitcoin’s safety mannequin. Boundless CEO Shiv Shankar said that the design will not be meant to duplicate Ethereum on Bitcoin, saying, “Bitcoin serves as the ultimate verifier and settlement layer for ZK proofs”.

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Anchoring ZK Proofs to Bitcoin

The system depends on Bitcoin Digital Machine, or BitVM, an off-chain verification framework that permits validation of advanced computation with out modifying Bitcoin’s protocol. First proposed in 2023 and launched in mid-2025, BitVM permits computation outcomes to be anchored to Bitcoin by means of its scripting mannequin fairly than native execution. 

“What BitVM unlocks… is the power to anchor actual computation to Bitcoin with out altering Bitcoin in any approach”.

Boundless has additionally built-in Citrea, a Bitcoin-native ZK rollup that’s a part of a broader effort to increase Bitcoin’s performance as a verification layer. In accordance with Shankar, the Bitcoin ecosystem is shifting past a pure store-of-value function towards elevated verification with out consensus adjustments, pushed partially by rising demand from rollups for stronger and extra impartial settlement layers. Boundless intends to increase integrations past Ethereum and Base, laying groundwork for Bitcoin to behave as a shared settlement layer throughout a number of blockchain networks.

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