Polygon Labs Unveils ‘zkEVM Validium’ Upgrade, Propelling Polygon 2.0 Ecosystem

Polygon Labs, the driving force behind the widely adopted Polygon PoS (Proof of Stake) chain, has announced a groundbreaking upgrade to the network. The proposed upgrade aims to introduce a decentralized Layer 2 (L2) solution secured by zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, which will enhance the security and performance of the Polygon ecosystem. This development positions Polygon as a core component of the upcoming Polygon 2.0 ecosystem.

The forthcoming upgrade is poised to revolutionize the blockchain industry, as it will be the first time an existing chain of this magnitude integrates ZK proofs to become an L2 solution. The introduction of ZK proofs will greatly augment the security and functionality of the Polygon network.

Polygon Labs Raises the Bar with zkEVM Validium

The upgrade proposal outlines the utilization of zkEVM validium, a cost-effective and high-throughput sibling of a rollup. Rollups, such as Polygon zkEVM, leverage the Ethereum network to publish transaction data and verify proofs, thereby inheriting Ethereum’s robust security and decentralization.

Furthermore, the upgrade will encompass migrating Polygon’s existing PoS to a new PoS network that leverages zkEVM technology. The upgraded PoS network, known as ZK validium, will operate in conjunction with Polygon’s existing zkEVM rollup network, presenting users with the advantages of both technologies based on their specific requirements.

Significant Roles for Existing Polygon PoS Validators

In the upgraded ecosystem, the existing Polygon PoS validators will play two crucial roles. Firstly, they will ensure data availability, making Polygon PoS the first validium with decentralized and secure data availability guarantees. Secondly, the validators will determine the inclusion and sequencing of transactions within a block, preserving decentralization and ensuring transaction fees are directed to MATIC-staked validators. Consequently, Polygon PoS will establish itself as the first L2 solution with a decentralized sequencer set.

The enhanced PoS network will deliver exceptional scalability and reduced transaction fees, catering to applications with high transaction volumes that require cost-effective solutions, such as Web3 gaming, social applications, and micro Decentralized Finance (DeFi).

Meanwhile, the existing zkEVM rollup network will continue to offer a high level of security, making it an optimal choice for applications processing high-value transactions with a priority on security, including high-value DeFi applications.

Polygon’s Vision

Polygon envisions a future in which every Polygon chain operates as a ZK Layer 2 solution. However, it is important to note that Polygon PoS, in its current form, relies on validators for security rather than ZK proofs.

At present, the upgrade proposal is in the Pre-Polygon Improvement Proposal (PIP) stage, with the proposal already accessible on the governance forum. If it garners substantial support from the community, a formal PIP will be presented to initiate the necessary processes. The proposal will then be extensively discussed on PPG (Polygon Protocol Governance) Calls, governance forums, and other public platforms to obtain consensus from all relevant participants in the ecosystem. If consensus is reached, the implementation could go live on the Mainnet by the end of Q1 2024.

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