---
# System prepended metadata

title: 'ZKCross: Bridging Web2 and Web3 with zkWASM'

---

# ZKCross: Bridging Web2 and Web3 with zkWASM


## 1. Executive Summary

ZKCross is a pioneering project at the forefront of Web3 innovation, designed to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3 technologies. By leveraging Zero-Knowledge WebAssembly (zkWASM), ZKCross provides a comprehensive framework for developers to create scalable, secure, and efficient decentralized applications (dApps). Our mission is to accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology by simplifying the development process and enhancing the performance of decentralized systems.

Key features of ZKCross include:
- Integration of zkWASM for enhanced privacy and security
- Cross-platform compatibility through WebAssembly
- Scalable architecture for high-performance dApps
- Developer-friendly tools and SDK
- Support for Fully On-Chain Games (FOCG) and various Web3 applications

This whitepaper outlines the technology, features, and potential applications of ZKCross, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize the blockchain ecosystem.

## 2. Introduction

### 2.1 Background

The blockchain industry has seen tremendous growth and innovation in recent years, with the emergence of Web3 technologies promising to reshape the digital landscape. However, the transition from traditional Web2 applications to decentralized Web3 platforms has been challenging for many developers and businesses. The complexities of blockchain development, coupled with performance limitations and security concerns, have hindered widespread adoption.

### 2.2 Problem Statement

Several key issues currently face the blockchain industry:

- **Steep Learning Curve**: Many developers find it difficult to transition from Web2 to Web3 due to new programming languages and paradigms.
- **Performance Limitations**: Existing blockchain solutions often struggle with scalability and transaction speed.
- **Security and Privacy Concerns**: Ensuring the security and privacy of user data and transactions remains a significant challenge.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Developing applications that work seamlessly across different blockchain networks and devices is complex.
- **Limited Interoperability**: Many blockchain solutions operate in silos, limiting their potential for widespread adoption.

### 2.3 Vision and Mission


ZKCross envisions a future where zero-knowledge (zk) technology is widely adopted, making Web3 applications as accessible and user-friendly as current Web2 solutions, while preserving the core benefits of decentralization, security, and transparency.
Our mission is to make zk technology adoptable by:

  - Simplifying the development and integration of zero-knowledge proofs in decentralized applications
  - Enhancing the performance and scalability of zk-enabled blockchain systems
  - Improving the security and privacy of Web3 applications through efficient zk implementations
  - Fostering interoperability between different blockchain networks using zk-based solutions
  - Accelerating the adoption of zk technology across various industries, from gaming to finance and beyond
  - Providing comprehensive tools and infrastructure to lower the barrier of entry for developers new to zk technology
  - Educating the wider tech community about the benefits and applications of zero-knowledge proofs

At ZKCross, we believe that by making zk technology more accessible and understandable, we can unlock its full potential to revolutionize the blockchain landscape.

## 3. Technology Overview
ZKCross provides a full-stack solution for building fully stateful, on-chain verifiable decentralized applications (dApps) using zkp. This holistic framework sits between dApps and Layer 1 (L1) chains, offering a comprehensive set of tools and services for efficient and secure development.


# ZKCross Architecture
![ZKCross Architecture Overview](https://docs.zkcross.org/assets/images/layers-bc4cd601f089f730aa969c95ef938ab4.png)

ZKCross provides a full-stack solution for building fully stateful, on-chain provable decentralized applications (dApps). This holistic framework sits between dApps and Layer 1 (L1) chains, offering a comprehensive set of tools and services for efficient and secure development.
## Core Components
### Sequencer
* **Function:** Handles the sequencing of requests (transactions) from dApps   
* **Role:** Acts as the entry point for dApp interactions, ensuring ordered processing of transactions

### ZKC Executor
The core component of the ZKCross architecture, consisting of two main parts:

* **App WASM:** Contains the compiled application logic   
* **Host SDK:** A comprehensive hub of APIs and toolsets that:  
  - Facilitates compiling and loading WASM images
  - Establishes links to other components and services
  - Provides standard API functions (e.g., Jubjub signature, Poseidon hash, random number generation)


### Prover (zkWASM)

* **Type:** A specialized zero-knowledge virtual machine supporting WebAssembly   
* **Function:** Generates zero-knowledge proofs for execution traces   
* **Process:**   
    - Accepts execution tracing logs and witnesses from the ZKC executor
    - Produces zkProofs
    - Automatically batches proofs for maximum scalability


### Settlement Module

* **Function:** Manages the interaction between ZKCross and the L1 chain   
* **Process:**   
  - Retrieves transaction data and execution results (pre and post Merkle roots)
  - Acquires corresponding zk-proofs
  - Submits data to the on-chain settlement smart contract
  - The smart contract verifies the zk-proof and updates the final state Merkle root on-chain


## Builtin Services   
### DA (Data Availability) Service  
* **Function:** Saves user transactions and execution proofs   
* **Partnership:** ZKCross has partnered with Avail, a leading data availability solution provider   
* **Benefit:** Enables developers to access advanced DA features while building ZK dApps   

### State Service   
* **Provided by:** ZKCross   
* **Features:**   
  - Key-value pair database service
  - MongoDB service
* **Communicates with the ZKC executor** to update and maintain dApp states based on processed transactions

### Host Service  
* **Component:** Part of the WASM software development kit (SDK)   
* **Offerings:**    
  - Essential tools for interacting with WASM modules   
  - Interfaces for communication with other components (e.g., State service)   
  - Library functions for cryptographic operations (signing, hashing, etc.)   


## Workflow
![ZKCross Workflow Overview](https://docs.zkcross.org/assets/images/framework-dotted-ba314d0a8a291a419ea8595940b25d40.png)   
The ZKCross workflow enables efficient and secure deployment of dApps with robust state management and verifiable computations across multiple blockchain layers:

### Application to Sequencer

Requests and transactions flow from the Application's UI to the Sequencer

### Sequencer to ZKC Executor

The Sequencer forwards transactions to the ZKC executor for processing


### ZKC Executor Operations

  - Execute dApp logic compiled into WASM
  - Interacts with the Prover to generate zero-knowledge proofs
  - Communicates with the State Service for state management
  - Connects with the DA Service for data availability

### Settlement

  - Engages with L1 Chains for final settlement and state updates

This architecture ensures a seamless flow of data and computations, from the initial dApp interaction to the final on-chain settlement, while maintaining security, scalability, and verifiability throughout the process.


## 4. ZKCross Features and Benefits

ZKCross presents numerous advantages for both developers and users:
### For Developers:
- **Multi-Language Support:** Eliminates the need to learn new languages by allowing development in popular choices like Rust, C++, and JavaScript.
- **ZK-Provable dApps by Default:** Simplifies the creation of secure and transparent dApps without requiring in-depth knowledge of zero-knowledge cryptography.
- **Modular and Composable Design:** Provides flexibility in choosing and integrating specific components to tailor ZKCross to individual dApp requirements.
- **WASM Ecosystem Integration:** Leverages the mature WASM ecosystem, providing access to a wide range of existing tools and libraries for streamlined development.
- **Comprehensive Toolkit:** Offers a suite of tools, including the ZKCross Playground for easy experimentation and zkc VRF for verifiable randomness.

### For users: 
- **Built-in ZK Technology:** Our framework allows developers to create dApps with zero-knowledge capabilities from the ground up, without the need for extensive cryptography expertise.
- **On-Chain Verification:** dApps built with ZKCross can be verified on-chain through zero-knowledge proofs, ensuring transparency and trust without compromising privacy.
- **Proof Availability:**  All proofs generated are made available through Data Availability (DA) solutions, enhancing the overall security and auditability of your dApps.
## 5. Use Cases

### 5.1 Fully On-Chain Games (FOCG)

ZKCross is particularly well-suited for developing Fully On-Chain Games, offering:
- Verifiable randomness through ZKC VRF
- Efficient state management for complex game logic
- Secure and private player interactions
- Scalability for multiplayer experiences

### 5.2 Decentralized Finance (DeFi)

ZKCross enables the development of sophisticated DeFi applications with:
- Private transaction execution
- Efficient order matching and settlement
- Cross-chain asset transfers
- Scalable lending and borrowing protocols

### 5.3 Supply Chain Management

ZKCross can revolutionize supply chain management through:
- Verifiable tracking of goods and materials
- Secure and private sharing of sensitive business information
- Efficient dispute resolution mechanisms
- Integration with IoT devices for real-time data

### 5.4 Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, ZKCross can facilitate:
- Secure sharing of patient data while maintaining privacy
- Verifiable clinical trial results
- Efficient claims processing and fraud detection
- Interoperable health record systems

## 6. ZKCross Products

### 6.1 SDK Overview

The ZKCross SDK provides developers with a comprehensive set of tools and libraries for building zkWASM applications. Key features include:
- WebAssembly compilation tools
- Zero-knowledge proof generation and verification libraries
- State management utilities
- Integration with popular development frameworks

### 6.2 ZKC Node

The ZKC Node is the core component of the ZKCross ecosystem, responsible for:
- Transaction processing and ordering
- Proof generation and verification
- Interaction with the chosen settlement layer
- State management and synchronization

### 6.3 ZKC VRF

The ZKC Verifiable Random Function (VRF) is a crucial component for applications requiring secure randomness. It provides:
- Provably fair and unbiased random number generation
- Verifiable outputs that can be checked on-chain
- Efficient integration with zkWASM applications

## 7. Tokenomics and Governance

### Token Allocation Breakdown

The total supply of ZKC tokens is allocated as follows:

```mermaid
pie title ZKC Token Allocation
  "Community Treasury" : 54
  "Team & Advisors" : 15
  "Marketing & Ecosystem" : 23
  "Seed round" : 5.50
  "Pre-Seed Round" : 2.50
```

This allocation ensures a significant portion of tokens (40%) is dedicated to application and community rewards, which is crucial for incentivizing decentralization and network participation. Let's break down this largest segment:   


```mermaid
pie title Rewards Breakdown
    "Node Operator Rewards" : 62.5
    "Developer Ecosystem Fund" : 25
    "Community Incentives" : 12.5
```

The substantial allocation to node operator rewards (25% of total supply) reflects the importance of these participants in maintaining the network's infrastructure and security.

### ZKC Tokenomics Model

#### 1. Token Utilities

ZKC serves several critical functions within the ecosystem:

a) **Node Operation Staking**: Operators stake ZKC to run network nodes, with the staking amount determining node capacity and reward eligibility.

b) **Network Service Payments**: Users pay ZKC for various services, including WASM execution, transaction sequencing, ZK proof generation, on-chain settlement, and data availability services.

c) **Node Operator Rewards**: Node operators earn ZKC for providing network services, with rewards distributed based on stake, service quality, and network contribution.

d) **Governance Participation**: ZKC holders can vote on protocol decisions, with voting power proportional to their staked amount.

#### 2. Staking Mechanism

The ZKC network relies on a diverse set of node operators to maintain its infrastructure. The staking mechanism is designed as follows:

```mermaid
graph TD
    A[ZKC Token Holder] -->|Stakes ZKC| B{Node Roles}
    B -->|High Stake| C[WASM Execution Node]
    B -->|Medium Stake| D[Transaction Sequencer]
    B -->|Medium Stake| E[ZK Proof Generator]
    B -->|Low Stake| F[On-chain Settlement Validator]
    B -->|Low Stake| G[Data Availability Provider]
    C -->|Rewards| H[ZKC Rewards]
    D -->|Rewards| H
    E -->|Rewards| H
    F -->|Rewards| H
    G -->|Rewards| H
    H -->|Re-stake or Withdraw| A
```

This tiered staking system ensures that operators have a vested interest in the network's success. By requiring higher stakes for more critical roles, the system aligns operator incentives with network security and performance.

#### 3. Fee Structure

ZKC implements a dynamic fee structure that adapts to network conditions, ensuring fair compensation for node operators while maintaining affordable services for users:

```mermaid
pie title ZKC Fee Distribution
    "Node Operators" : 80
    "Protocol Treasury" : 15
    "Token Burn" : 5
```

This distribution incentivizes high-quality service provision, supports long-term sustainability through the treasury, and potentially creates deflationary pressure through the burn mechanism.

#### 4. Governance System

The governance system empowers ZKC holders to shape the protocol's future. Key decisions include protocol upgrades, fee structure adjustments, and network parameter tuning. The system implements a proposal creation and voting mechanism, with voting power proportional to staked amounts.

#### 5. Developer Ecosystem Support

A significant allocation to developer support demonstrates ZKC's commitment to building a thriving community. The Developer Fund provides:
- Grants for zkWASM application development
- Bug bounties
- Integration support for Web2 applications

#### 6. Decentralized Node Network

ZKC operates a permissionless system for node operators, encouraging widespread participation:

```mermaid
graph LR
    A[New Node] -->|Stake ZKC| B[Join Network]
    B -->|Provide Services| C[Earn Rewards]
    C -->|High Performance| D[Increase Reputation]
    D -->|Better Reputation| E[More Rewards]
    E -->|Re-stake| B
```

This system ensures high-quality service through performance-based rewards and a reputation system for node operators.

#### 7. Token Vesting and Release

ZKC implements a gradual token release schedule aligned with network milestones, with longer vesting periods for team and early investors. This approach ensures long-term alignment of interests and prevents market disruptions from large token releases.

#### 8. Security and Reliability Incentives

To maintain a robust and secure network, ZKC offers:
- Additional rewards for nodes with high uptime and performance
- A bug bounty program paid in ZKC

These incentives encourage operators to maintain high standards of service and motivate the community to actively participate in identifying and resolving potential vulnerabilities.

#### 9. Long-term Staking Incentives

ZKC encourages long-term commitment through a tiered reward system:

```mermaid
graph TD
    A[Stake ZKC] -->|Short-term| B[Basic Rewards]
    A -->|Medium-term| C[Enhanced Rewards]
    A -->|Long-term| D[Maximum Rewards]
    B -->|Increase Stake Duration| C
    C -->|Increase Stake Duration| D
    D -->|Governance Weight| E[Higher Voting Power]
```

This system not only rewards long-term stakers with higher returns but also grants them greater influence in governance decisions.

#### 10. Ecosystem Growth Initiatives

To foster continuous growth and innovation, ZKC focuses on:
- Partnerships with key Web3 projects
- Educational programs for Web2 developers
- Hackathons and competitions to drive innovation

## 8. Roadmap

[Note: A specific roadmap was not provided in the documents. The following is a generalized roadmap that should be adjusted based on the project's actual plans.]

- Q3 2024: Launch of ZKCross testnet
- Q4 2024: Release of ZKC SDK and developer documentation
- Q1 2025: Mainnet launch and token generation event
- Q2 2025: Integration with major blockchain networks
- Q3 2025: Launch of ZKCross-powered FOCG and DeFi applications
- Q4 2025: Establishment of ZKCross DAO and community governance




## 9. Conclusion

ZKCross represents a significant leap forward in the development of Web3 technologies. By bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3 through zkWASM, we are paving the way for a new generation of scalable, secure, and efficient decentralized applications. With its developer-friendly approach, robust architecture, and wide-ranging potential applications, ZKCross is poised to accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology across various industries.

As we continue to develop and refine the ZKCross platform, we invite developers, businesses, and blockchain enthusiasts to join us in shaping the future of Web3. Together, we can create a more decentralized, transparent, and equitable digital world.