A zero-knowledge technology firm called =nil; Foundation has developed a new type-1 zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) compiler to address security concerns in similar ZK-powered Ethereum scaling solutions. The technology focuses on security and automatically compiles high-level programming code into Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge (zk-SNARKS) circuits. The zkEVM is compatible with evmone, a C++ version of Ethereum’s base execution environment, ensuring better security and faster implementation. It eliminates the need for lengthy and expensive code audits and allows transactions and smart contracts to be directly compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine.

In 2023, several high-profile zkEVMs have been introduced as layer-2 protocols to help Ethereum handle large transaction loads and smart contract functions. Companies like Consensys, Polygon, StarkWare, and Matter Labs have released ZK-rollup solutions to provide high throughput and low fee capabilities to decentralized applications and network users. =nil; Foundation’s solution differentiates itself by using an automated compiler instead of manually defining circuits, which can be time-intensive and prone to human error. This approach aims to enhance security and simplify code auditing.

Concerns about the security of manually defined circuits were highlighted when a soundness bug was discovered in the ZK-circuits used in Matter Labs’ zkSync Era mainnet. ChainLight, a security firm, received a reward for identifying the vulnerability, which could have allowed an attacker to produce proofs for invalidly executed blocks. Matter Labs fixed the bug and awarded ChainLight a bug bounty. =nil; Foundation’s automated compiler from Ethereum’s EVM provides a more secure and adaptable solution, capable of integrating the latest Ethereum Improvement Proposals.

The foundation has published its prototype code repository and specifications, showcasing its progress in developing the zkEVM compiler.