# EPF Week 0

Hey everyone, my name is Ritesh and I am a permissionless participant. Before, I had chosen Ephemery Testnet and Lighthouse State Cache Heuristics but now I have changed my mind and I would like to work on Grandine zkVMs and [Fast Confirmation Rule](https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.00549), apologies for any inconvenience caused.

## zkVM exploration and integration
I would begin by studying the existing [SP1](https://github.com/succinctlabs/sp1) and [RISC Zero](https://github.com/risc0/risc0) implementations developed by Grandine and try to understand their current performance characteristics and limitations. In the next phase I would focus on integrating and benchmarking [OpenVM](https://github.com/openvm-org/openvm) and [Zisk](https://github.com/0xPolygonHermez/zisk), the newer zkVMs with continuation support. I would try to create standardized benchmarking frameworks.

## Optimization and scaling research
I would focus on the most promising zkVM candidates and work on optimization strategies like proof batching, state delta compression, parallel proof generation etc.

## Algorithm study
I would start by studying the [Fast Confirmation Rule Algorithm](https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.00549) through the provided resources. The core implementation phase would involve integrating the Fast Confirmation Rule into the client's consensus logic (most likely I will choose Nimbus or Grandine for the client) and ensure it correctly identifies confirmable blocks within the 1-2 slot timeframe. I would develop comprehensive testing scenarios that simulate various network conditions, including high latency situations where the algorithm should gracefully fall back to standard finalization.

## Final thoughts

Both have clear problems and supportive communities. The Grandine zkVM project offers broader exposure to the ecosystem while Fast Confirmation Rule offers deeper focus on consensus protocol fundamentals. I'm choosing based on whether I want breadth or depth.