Boundless Network has announced the launch of its incentivized testnet, marking the first real stress test for zero-knowledge infrastructure.
Overview of Boundless Testnet
According to a press release shared on July 15, Boundless Network has deployed its Mainnet Beta on Coinbase’s Base blockchain, introducing what it calls the first 'universal' zero-knowledge protocol. With participation from heavyweights like the Ethereum Foundation and EigenLayer, the project demonstrates early confidence at this beta stage.
Mechanics of the Zero-Knowledge Protocol
Boundless positions itself as a decentralized marketplace where blockchains, developers, and miners converge to trade verifiable computation. Powered by RISC Zero’s zkVM, the protocol acts as a universal proof layer, allowing any blockchain to offload complex computations while maintaining cryptographic certainty. This innovation significantly reduces costs and latency, allowing blockchains to share proofs without the need for redundant validations of the same data.
Principle of Proof of Verifiable Work
At the heart of Boundless' beta is Proof of Verifiable Work, a radical departure from traditional mining. PoVW rewards participants for verifying zero-knowledge proofs within a zkVM. High-performance GPU owners, whether institutional miners or independent operators, can now earn fees by validating computational integrity, rather than through brute-force hash calculations. This system fosters a meritocracy where the most efficient miners earn the most.
The launch of Boundless testnet and its new reward mechanism exemplifies the evolution of zero-knowledge protocols, offering new approaches to decentralized computing and resource allocation in the crypto industry.
