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# System prepended metadata

title: ZkDefi

---

### Proposal Title
**ZkDefi**

### Project Background
The Mina Protocol is a groundbreaking blockchain technology known for maintaining a succinct blockchain size of about 22kb, regardless of network usage. By leveraging zk-SNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge), Mina provides robust privacy and security features. This project aims to build a suite of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications on the Mina Protocol, enhancing both privacy and scalability in the DeFi ecosystem. The proposed applications include a privacy-preserving decentralized exchange (DEX), scalable payment channels, and a privacy-focused lending and borrowing platform.

### Proposal Overview

**Problem:**
Current DeFi solutions often struggle with scalability issues and lack comprehensive privacy features. Transaction privacy is critical to protect user data and prevent front-running, while scalability is essential for handling high transaction volumes without performance degradation.

**Solution:**
Develop a suite of DeFi applications on Mina Protocol:
- A privacy-preserving DEX using zk-SNARKs to ensure transaction privacy and prevent front-running.
- Scalable payment channels to facilitate high-speed, low-cost transactions.
- A lending and borrowing platform that ensures user privacy through zk-SNARKs.

**Impact:**
This proposal aims to significantly enhance the Mina ecosystem by providing secure, private, and scalable DeFi solutions. It encourages adoption, attracts more users and developers, and enables novel applications that leverage Mina’s unique features. The project will also provide educational resources and tools to foster a developer community around Mina.

**Audience:**
The target audience includes DeFi users seeking enhanced privacy and scalability, developers interested in building on Mina Protocol, and the broader blockchain community looking for innovative and secure financial solutions.

### Architecture & Design

**Detailed Design/Architecture:**
- **DEX:** The DEX will utilize zk-SNARKs to obfuscate transaction details, ensuring privacy while maintaining transparency in trade execution. 
- **Payment Channels:** These will be implemented to enable off-chain transactions, reducing on-chain load and enhancing transaction throughput.
- **Lending/Borrowing Platform:** This platform will employ zk-SNARKs to protect user data, ensuring that all transactions and user details remain confidential.

The project will involve creating smart contracts and protocols that leverage Mina’s succinct blockchain and privacy features.

**Vision:**
The long-term vision is to establish Mina Protocol as a leading platform for private and scalable DeFi solutions, driving widespread adoption and fostering a robust developer ecosystem.

**Existing Work:**
There is no existing work directly related to this proposal. This is a new initiative leveraging Mina’s unique capabilities.

**Production Timeline:**
The project is expected to be in production within 3-6 months of funding.

### Budget & Milestones

**Deliverables:**
- Privacy-preserving DEX
- Scalable payment channels
- Privacy-focused lending and borrowing platform
- Comprehensive documentation and developer tools

**Mid-Point Milestones:**
- Completion of DEX prototype
- Initial implementation of payment channels
- Basic functionality of lending and borrowing platform

**Project Timeline:**
 3M

**Budget Requested:**
 30,000 MINA

**Budget Breakdown:**
- Research and Design: 5,000 MINA
- Development: 15,000 MINA
- Testing and Security: 5,000 MINA
- Launch and Support: 2500 MINA
- Educational Resources and Developer Tools: 2500 MINA

**Wallet Address:**
B62qo9KuwZnGW1FvJsX1LTWUJvwTVjgZD61Yx6hoW4JAxp2gZUJnAvX

### Team Info

**Proposer Github:**
https://github.com/mahmudsudo

**Proposer Experience:**
I have extensive experience in blockchain development,Background in cryptography and blockchain security. particularly in building zkApps and other dApps. Relevant projects include [streamlivr](https://streamlivr.com),[eakazi](https://eakazi.africa) etc.

**Team Members:**
- **Alice Johnson:** Lead Developer (Github: [Github](https://github.com/theghostmac))
  - Extensive experience in blockchain development and smart contract programming.

**Achievements:**
- Developed several successful dApps on Ethereum and other blockchains.
- Contributed to open-source blockchain projects, improving scalability and security.

### Risks & Mitigations

**Risks:**
- **Technical Challenges:** Integrating zk-SNARKs efficiently into DeFi applications.
- **Adoption:** Encouraging users and developers to adopt the new platforms.

**Mitigations:**
- **Technical Support:** Engage with Mina’s developer community and utilize available resources for technical challenges.
- **Community Engagement:** Create educational content and actively participate in community discussions to drive adoption and gather feedback.