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Imagine a world where privacy and scalability are no longer a trade-off with Mina Protocol.
We'll explore Mina's Zero-Knowledge Applications (zkApps) and Grant Program projects, reaching for the north star of privacy-powered interwebs.

Discover how Mina and its ecosystem of zkApps, including SnarkyJS and Mina Identity, are shaping a secure and user-centric digital landscape.

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Mina is a world’s lightest zero knowledge ([ZK](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-knowledge_proof)) blockchain for proving anything from KYC/Identity to scaling onchain gaming.
Leveraging ZK technology to create a private, provable web.

The O1 Labs team began designing Mina's protocol in 2017, launched the mainnet in 2021, and introduced zkApps in 2024.

zkApps are built on ZK proofs—specifically zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge), evolving from their predecessor, SNApps (Smart Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge Apps).

How zkApps and HTTPz Protect Your Secrets:

Unlike traditional Layer 1 EVM smart contracts, zkApps run client-side in your browser or any interface supporting HTTPz, a decentralized communication protocol.

zkApps ensure privacy by keeping sensitive data on your device, only publishing small validity proofs for blockchain verification. This provides end-to-end encryption and trustless verification.

Mina's Ecosystem Core Tools:

* [o1js](https://github.com/o1-labs/o1js) - TypeScript library for zk-SNARKs and zkApps
* [Kimchi](https://o1-labs.github.io/proof-systems/specs/kimchi.html) - modular, general-purpose, PLONK-inspired zk-proof system

🦾 zkApps in Mina Eco:

[AuroWallet](https://www.aurowallet.com/): supports multiple languages, Mina Protocol and is completely open-source. Send, receive or stake your $MINA, and view the zkApp transactions records.

[Minascan](https://minascan.io/mainnet/home): Blockchain explorer for Mina where you can track zkApp [accounts](https://minascan.io/mainnet/zk-accounts) and transactions.

[SnarkyJS](https://github.com/o1-labs/o1js): A zkApp enabling developers to write zk proofs in JavaScript, making zkApp development more accessible.

[Hakata.io](https://www.hakata.io/): A Berlin-based ZK-powered solution providing KYC and anti-money-laundering (AML) services without requiring users to share sensitive personal information. Initially focusing on Lumina DEX users to enable private, compliant transactions, Hakata aims to expand its services across the broader Web3 ecosystem.

[Mina Foundation Grant Program](https://minaprotocol.com/grants-wip):

zkIgnite - Mina's primary grant program, providing funding, mentorship, and expert guidance for developers building with zk proofs.

Ways to Contribute:

1. zkApp Track - Build teams to create zkApps solving real-world problems
2. Dev Tooling & Services Track - Develop tools to enhance the Mina ecosystem's development experience
3. Electors - Experienced builders and community members who allocate funding to zkIgnite projects
4. Mentors - Seasoned zkApp developers providing guidance during the Build phase

zkIgnite is currently in its second Cohort, the deadline for Cohort 2 submissions has passed, but many teams are still seeking new members.
Visit the [zkIgnite](https://zkignite.minaprotocol.com/) platform to create an account and explore team opportunities.

[Mina Foundation Grant Program](https://minaprotocol.com/grants-wip) Projects:
The program includes token standards, zkOracles, infra development, and the gaming hub zkNoid.

Mina Fungible Token Standard enables secure, interoperable token development. Its security is validated through a rigorous [security audit](https://minaprotocol.com/wp-content/uploads/Veridise-Mina-Fungible-Token-Standard-Audit.pdf) by Veridise, a leading Formal Methods security firm.

Mina Fungible Token Standard Key Features:

- Custom Token Creation: Developers can deploy smart contracts as token managers
- Unique Token Identifiers: Each token has a distinct identifier from the manager's public key, though token names aren't required to be unique
- Supply Control: Token managers set creation rules at deployment, enabling minting, burning, and transfers
- Transfer Capabilities: Any account can initiate transfers, subject to Token Manager zkApp approval
- zkApp Integration: Developers can create zkApps that interact with these tokens for complex use cases

Start building custom tokens on Mina by exploring the [reference implementation](https://github.com/MinaFoundation/mina-fungible-token). Join the Mina developer community on [Discord]([https://](https://discord.com/invite/minaprotocol) to collaborate and get support.

[zkOracles](https://minaprotocol.com/blog/what-are-zkoracles) - develop zk-SNARK-based systems providing secure, private data feeds for Mina smart contracts, enhancing ecosystem privacy.

> *What’s nice about using zkOracles on Mina, thanks to zkApps, is uniquely the two-step execution model. At first, we prove off-chain that we have some piece of information, and that we’ve performed some computation. Then we pack it up into a small proof at which point it is verified on-chain.*
[(c) Brett Carter, a Product Manager at o1Labs](https://minaprotocol.com/blog/what-are-zkoracles)

[ZkNoid](https://www.zknoid.io/)
A hub for provable gaming on MINA.
At DevCon7 in Bangkok, I met [Andrey](https://x.com/asimaranov), a Fullstack Dev at zkNoid. As an onchain [Game Designer myself](https://ether.freakers.art/), I was thrilled to explore zk multiplayer gaming.

Find technical tutorials on zkNoid's [Blog](https://medium.com/zknoid) and games on their [website](https://www.zknoid.io/). Key project features include:
* A developer SDK for implementing L2 rollups based on the [protokit network](https://medium.com/zknoid/how-protokit-can-revolutionize-on-chain-gaming-how-to-cook-it-to-implement-a-multiplayer-game-955dbb2442ac), enabling gasless transactions, high scalability, and tamper-proof records.
* During gameplay, actions are processed within a zero-knowledge circuit on your device, ensuring verifiable gameplay while keeping your strategy private.

L1 Lottery game launches on [mainnet](https://medium.com/r/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FZkNoid%2Fstatus%2F1871528873004867929%2Fphoto%2F1) January 15th! Join zkNoid [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/8jWdav5e9J) and Telegram to never miss out on fun stuff.

Overall, Mina has developed an exciting and diverse ecosystem. It offers lightweight, privacy-enhancing, ZK-powered technology. 
Join the Mina community to become a zkApp developer.

Overall, Mina has developed an exciting and diverse ecosystem. It offers lightweight, privacy-enhancing, ZK-powered technology.
Join the Mina community to become a zkApp developer.

O(1) Labs [website](https://www.o1labs.org/mina-protocol) and [twitter](https://x.com/o1_labs).
[Mina Foundation](https://www.minafoundation.com/)
[o1Roadmap 2025](https://www.o1labs.org/blog/the-o1roadmap-2025)