Overview

The widespread adoption of Web3 faces several challenges, including enabling traditional Web2 developers to transition smoothly to blockchain application development without requiring extensive knowledge of cryptography. zkWASM (Zero-Knowledge WebAssembly Virtual Machine) offers an effective solution to this issue.

By combining Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK) with WebAssembly (WASM), zkWASM is designed to facilitate the seamless migration of Web2 applications to the Web3 ecosystem.

With zkWASM, computations are processed off-chain, while only the proof of those computations is stored on-chain. This approach allows developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) using familiar programming languages such as Rust, C++, and Go. By eliminating the need for developers to understand Zero-Knowledge Proof technology deeply, zkWASM significantly lowers the entry barrier and addresses key pain points in the Web2-to-Web3 transition.

Source: https://delphinuslab.com/tutorial/

Core Concepts

zkWASM is primarily built on two key technologies:

WebAssembly (WASM): WASM is an efficient bytecode format that supports languages such as C, Rust, and others to run in browsers or blockchain virtual machines. Developed collaboratively by Google, Mozilla, Microsoft, and Apple, WASM offers excellent performance and portability, making it widely adopted for high-performance web development.

Source: @bhavani.indukuri2/webassembly-wasm-revolutionising-web-development-with-high-performance-and-portability-e4aef76391bb"">https://medium.com/@bhavani.indukuri2/webassembly-wasm-revolutionising-web-development-with-high-performance-and-portability-e4aef76391bb

Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZK): ZK allows a prover to demonstrate the correctness of a computation to a verifier without revealing the details of the computation itself.

zkWASM combines the advantages of both technologies, allowing WASM code execution results to be verified through zero-knowledge proofs, thereby enhancing blockchain privacy and scalability.

Working Principle

The core of zkWASM lies in combining the WASM instruction set with Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZK) to achieve efficient and verifiable computation. The workflow consists of the following steps:

1. WASM Code Execution: WASM executes smart contracts or computational tasks and produces computation results.
2. ZK Proof Generation: Using zero-knowledge proof technology to generate verifiable proofs for the WASM computation process.
3. Verification of Computation Correctness: Verifiers (such as nodes in the blockchain network) only need to check the ZK proof without re-executing the computation, ensuring the correctness and credibility of the computation results.

As a portable virtual machine, zkWASM allows developers to write privacy-protecting applications using familiar programming languages and compile them into WASM format. Users can run these applications in their browsers like regular applications, without requiring additional hardware or software support.

Key Projects

Delphinus Lab

Introduction:
As a pioneer in the zkWasm ecosystem, Delphinus Lab specializes in developing trust computing solutions and comprehensive developer toolkits (SDK). The team is passionate about bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, making it easier for traditional developers to embrace blockchain technology.

Key Developments:
Built a cutting-edge zkWasm virtual machine that enables secure off-chain computation while ensuring on-chain verification through zero-knowledge proofs
Created a versatile development environment supporting popular programming languages, including C, C++, Rust, and AssemblyScript
Introduced zkWasm Hub - an innovative cloud platform where developers can discover, share, and deploy zkWasm applications with automated proof generation and batch processing capabilities

Applications:
The platform excels in privacy-focused computing, powers decentralized applications (DApps) development, and enables custom Rollup protocol implementation.

Source: https://delphinuslab.com/?ref=blog.icme.io

ZKCROSS

Introduction:
ZKCROSS is a multi-chain zkRollup execution layer that leverages zkWasm technology to enable cross-chain interoperability and provide a universal execution layer.

Key Developments:
It decouples the execution and settlement layers, offering a trusted multi-chain execution environment through zkWasm technology.
The platform facilitates rapid development and deployment of multi-chain native products, ensuring security through end-to-end ZKP protocols.

Applications:
Cross-chain asset transfers, blockchain gaming interactions across different chains, and cross-chain DeFi protocols.

Source: https://www.zkcross.org/

Polygon and NEAR’s zkWasm Collaboration

Introduction:
Polygon Labs and NEAR Foundation have joined forces to develop a zkWasm Prover to provide zero-knowledge proof support for Wasm-based blockchains.

Key Developments:
NEAR Foundation has become a core contributor to the Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK), enabling developers to utilize zkWasm Prover when building ZK-powered Layer 2 blockchains.
This collaboration enhances interoperability between Wasm chains and the Ethereum ecosystem while improving security and scalability.

Applications:
The technology is ideal for building custom ZK-powered Layer 2 chains and supports expansion across EVM and Wasm ecosystems.

Source: https://polygon.technology/blog/polygon-labs-and-near-foundation-collaborate-to-build-a-zkwasm-prover-as-a-component-for-polygon-cdk

zkWasm Hub

Introduction:
zkWasm Hub is a comprehensive cloud platform by Delphinus Lab that streamlines the development and deployment of zkWasm applications.

Key Developments:
Provides storage and access for zkWasm application images, with support for access via REST APIs.
Supports automated compilation and update services, enabling developers to deploy GitHub projects directly to zkWasm Hub.
Includes a task explorer for monitoring zkWasm task statuses.

Applications:
Developer tools, application distribution platform, and decentralized cloud services.

Source: https://zkwasmhub.com/

Comparison of zkEVM, eWASM, and zkWASM

zkEVM focuses on enhancing Ethereum’s privacy and scalability, supporting Solidity. zkWASM targets the transition from Web2 to Web3, offering support for multiple traditional programming languages. eWASM improves the execution efficiency of Ethereum smart contracts and also supports multiple languages.

The key differences between zkEVM, zkWASM, and eWASM lie in their focus areas: zkEVM emphasizes Ethereum scalability, zkWASM focuses on facilitating the migration of traditional developers to Web3, and eWASM is dedicated to improving smart contract performance.

Source: https://hyperoracle.medium.com/zkwasm-the-next-chapter-of-zk-and-zkvm-471038b1fba6

Advantages

Enhanced Privacy

zkWASM allows users to execute smart contracts or computational tasks while only revealing the final result without disclosing the specific input data. For example, users can perform complex calculations off-chain and prove the correctness of the result using Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs without exposing the underlying computation process.

Verifiable Computation

Traditional smart contract execution relies on all nodes performing redundant computations. zkWASM, however, enables computations to be carried out off-chain, generating a ZK proof that on-chain nodes can verify to confirm the result’s correctness. This approach significantly reduces on-chain computation costs.

Strong Compatibility

With WASM’s cross-platform capabilities, zkWASM supports multiple programming languages such as Rust, C++, and Go. This allows developers to build ZK computation programs using familiar toolchains.

Improved Scalability

By moving computational processes off-chain and submitting only ZK proofs, zkWASM significantly reduces the burden on on-chain computation, enhancing blockchain scalability. This is especially important for scaling solutions like Rollups and Layer 2 protocols.

Source: https://delphinuslab.com/tutorial/

Challenges

Despite zkWASM’s notable advantages in privacy protection, scalability, and cross-platform compatibility, several technical challenges remain in its adoption:

1. High Computational Overhead and Costly Proof Generation

Executing WASM code with zkWASM requires transforming each computational step into a Zero-Knowledge proof circuit, significantly increasing computational complexity.

Issue: Zero-Knowledge proof schemes (e.g., ZK-SNARKs, ZK-STARKs) often involve extensive and complex mathematical operations such as polynomial commitments and elliptic curve calculations. These processes can result in lengthy proof generation times and high resource consumption.

Potential Optimization: Researching more efficient ZK proof algorithms and leveraging hardware acceleration (e.g., FPGA, GPU) can help reduce computational overhead.

2. Complex Mapping from WASM to Zero-Knowledge Circuits

While WASM is designed for efficient execution, it is not inherently optimized for Zero-Knowledge proof compatibility. Direct conversion from WASM instructions to ZK circuits may introduce performance bottlenecks.

Issue: WASM’s instruction set does not map directly to the arithmetic circuit model used in ZK proofs, leading to inefficient conversions.

Potential Optimization: Developing a more efficient intermediate representation (IR) can help minimize unnecessary computational overhead and improve the suitability of WASM code for ZK computations.

3. Compatibility and Developer Ecosystem

Although WASM supports multiple languages, zkWASM must still integrate with existing ZK ecosystem tools to reduce developer learning curves.

Issue: Existing ZK languages (e.g., Circom, ZoKrates) and the WASM ecosystem have distinct technical stacks. Ensuring zkWASM integrates seamlessly with mainstream blockchain and DApp ecosystems is a significant challenge.

Potential Optimization: Promoting deeper integration of zkWASM with popular languages like Solidity, Rust, and C++, while providing user-friendly SDKs and development frameworks.

4. Proof Verification Costs and On-Chain Scalability

In blockchain environments, ZK proofs generated by zkWASM must be verified on-chain. Since on-chain resources are limited, optimizing verification costs is crucial.

Issue: Although verifying ZK proofs is far less resource-intensive than re-executing the computation, it can still result in high gas fees on public chains like Ethereum.

Potential Optimization: Researching more efficient verification algorithms (e.g., aggregated proofs, recursive proofs) and leveraging Layer 2 solutions to streamline on-chain verification and reduce gas costs.

5. Ecosystem Development and Standardization

As an emerging technology, zkWASM requires robust development tools, community support, and industry standards to drive broader adoption.

Issue: zkWASM is still in its early stages, with limited API standards, developer toolchains, and audit frameworks, slowing its adoption.

Potential Optimization: Establishing open-source SDKs, testing tools, and smart contract libraries can encourage broader developer participation in the zkWASM ecosystem, ultimately positioning zkWASM as a universal privacy computation solution in Web3.

zkWASM, as an innovative combination of WASM and Zero-Knowledge proofs, holds significant potential in privacy computing, Layer 2 scalability, and AI computation verification. However, to achieve widespread adoption, overcoming key challenges such as computational overhead, compatibility issues, verification costs, and ecosystem development is essential. As ZK proof algorithms improve, hardware acceleration advances, and development toolchains mature, zkWASM is poised to become a core technology in blockchain privacy computing.

Future Outlook and Application Scenarios

The innovative architecture of zkWASM offers immense potential for decentralized applications. As Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) and WebAssembly (WASM) technologies evolve, zkWASM is poised to become a foundational element of the Web3 ecosystem, delivering enhanced privacy, security, and scalability solutions across industries.

With ongoing technical improvements and a maturing development toolchain, zkWASM will provide developers with a more user-friendly environment, facilitating adoption in Web3, DeFi, AI, IoT, and other sectors, thus driving broader blockchain adoption.

1. DeFi (Decentralized Finance)

Efficient Transaction Processing: By performing complex calculations off-chain and verifying them with ZK proofs, zkWASM can significantly reduce both transaction costs and latency. This makes it ideal for decentralized exchanges (DEXs), automated market makers (AMMs), and other DeFi applications.

Privacy Protection: Leveraging ZKP technology, zkWASM enables private transactions where users can transfer funds or execute smart contracts without revealing sensitive transaction details.

Cross-Chain Interoperability: zkWASM, in combination with cross-chain solutions like ZKCROSS, facilitates seamless asset transfers and liquidity aggregation between different blockchain networks.

Use Case: Suppose User A wants to exchange ETH for USDT anonymously. zkWASM processes the transaction off-chain, only recording the final status on-chain. This ensures privacy protection and minimizes transaction costs.

Source: https://app.uniswap.org/?lng=en-US

2. GameFi (Gaming Finance)

Complex Game Logic: zkWASM supports executing complex game logic off-chain (e.g., real-time calculations in multiplayer online games) and uses ZK proofs to verify the results, ensuring fairness and integrity.

NFT Trading and Management: In GameFi ecosystems, NFT assets (such as game items, skins, and collectibles) can be efficiently traded on zkWASM’s optimized Rollup layer, significantly reducing transaction costs.

Scalability: By leveraging Layer 3/Layer 4 application-specific Rollup solutions, zkWASM can support large-scale user concurrency, addressing the performance bottlenecks that often plague traditional on-chain games.

Use Case: Suppose Player A and Player B engage in a competitive match. The battle outcome is computed off-chain using zkWASM, which verifies that Player A won. The result is then recorded on-chain, where Player A receives a rare NFT card as a reward — all with minimal transaction costs.

Source: https://axieinfinity.com/

3. SocialFi (Social Finance)

Decentralized Social Networks: zkWASM can support decentralized social platforms where user data is encrypted and stored securely using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP), ensuring privacy and data ownership.

Economic Incentive Model: SocialFi platforms can incentivize content creators and users with token rewards. zkWASM’s high throughput and low-cost structure make it well-suited for handling large-scale microtransactions.

Content Verification: With ZKP technology, zkWASM can verify content authenticity or copyright ownership while preserving user privacy.

Use Case: Suppose User A publishes an encrypted article. zkVoice verifies its originality and records that it received 100 likes. The platform then allocates token rewards on-chain, ensuring user privacy.

Source: https://www.thetatoken.org/

4. AI (Artificial Intelligence)

On-Chain Machine Learning: zkWASM enables off-chain execution of complex AI model inference or training (e.g., neural network calculations) and uses Zero-Knowledge Proofs to verify the results on-chain, making it ideal for decentralized AI applications.

Privacy-Preserving Computation: In sensitive industries such as healthcare and finance, zkWASM enables privacy-protected AI model inference, allowing user data to participate in computations without exposure.

Tokenized AI Ecosystem: zkWASM can facilitate the tokenization of AI models, promoting incentive-driven AI innovation and decentralized governance.

Use Case: A patient uploads encrypted blood test data, and BioPassport predicts a high risk of diabetes. zkWASM generates a “high risk” proof, which is then recorded on-chain. The doctor can review the result without accessing the patient’s personal data.

Source: https://biopassport.io/

5. Migration of Complex Web2 Applications to Web3

Traditional Web2 Applications: zkWASM’s versatility allows it to run complex Web2 logic (e.g., social media platforms, content management systems, e-commerce platforms) and seamlessly migrate them to Web3 using ZKP and Rollup technology.

High-Performance Computing: By combining off-chain execution with on-chain verification, zkWASM can support the performance demands of Web2 applications while maintaining decentralization and security.

Developer-Friendly Environment: The widespread adoption of WebAssembly simplifies the migration process, lowering the entry barrier for Web2 developers transitioning to Web3.

Use Case: Suppose User A purchases a smartphone. The order is matched off-chain, zkWASM verifies inventory and payment, and the transaction is recorded on-chain. The encrypted logistics information is securely stored on IPFS.

Source: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cell+phone&crid=2J18MS8O3AMA8&sprefix=cell+phone%2Caps%2C603&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

6. Privacy-Preserving Identity and Authentication Systems

Decentralized Identity (DID): zkWASM can be leveraged to build privacy-protecting identity systems where users can prove their identity or qualifications without revealing personal data.

Zero-Knowledge Authentication: In processes like Know Your Customer (KYC), zkWASM allows users to prove they meet specific criteria without disclosing detailed personal information.

Use Case: A user applying for a loan uploads encrypted passport information. zkWASM verifies that the user’s age exceeds 18 and generates an on-chain proof confirming eligibility. The platform can approve the loan without viewing the actual passport details.

Source: https://getaverses.com/

7. Supply Chain and Traceability

Privacy-Preserving Traceability: In supply chain management, zkWASM can verify product origins, transportation records, and other key data while safeguarding sensitive business information.

Efficient Settlement: By leveraging Rollup technology, zkWASM allows multi-party transactions and records in the supply chain to be processed efficiently off-chain, with only the final proof submitted on-chain.

Use Case: A consumer scans a QR code on a milk carton, and zkTrace verifies that it originated from Farm A and passed quality inspections. Detailed production data remains encrypted for privacy protection.

Source: https://ethglobal.com/showcase/zktrace-imqfh

8. Decentralized Cloud Computing

Distributed Computing Tasks: zkWASM enables complex computing tasks to be distributed across off-chain nodes for execution, with the results verified on-chain using Zero-Knowledge Proofs. This makes zkWASM ideal for decentralized cloud computing platforms.

Resource Optimization: By utilizing layered expansion strategies (e.g., L3/L4 Rollups), zkWASM efficiently allocates computing resources, reducing costs while maintaining performance.

Use Case: A researcher submits a protein-folding task. Off-chain nodes complete the computation, zkWASM verifies the results, and the transaction is recorded on-chain with token rewards distributed accordingly.

9. Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Devices

Private Device Communication: zkWASM enables privacy-preserving communication between IoT devices, ensuring data security and authenticity through Zero-Knowledge Proof verification.

Microtransactions: zkWASM supports small-scale payments between smart devices (e.g., energy trading or data sharing) with low-cost, high-throughput transactions powered by Rollup technology.

Use Case: Household A’s solar panel sells excess energy to Household B. The transaction is processed off-chain, zkWASM verifies the result, and the payment is recorded on-chain with minimal costs.

Source: https://bloxmove.com/

10. Other Potential Applications

Voting and Governance: zkWASM can power anonymous voting systems based on ZKP, ensuring voter privacy while maintaining result transparency and verifiability.

Medical Data Management: zkWASM can protect patient privacy while enabling secure data sharing and analysis in the healthcare sector.

Education and Certification: zkWASM can facilitate the issuance of decentralized academic and skill certifications, ensuring they are tamper-proof and easily verifiable.

Conclusion

zkWASM is designed to address the technical barriers faced while migrating Web2 applications to Web3, driving broader adoption of Web3 technologies. By combining traditional programming languages with Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology, zkWASM offers enhanced security, privacy protection, and interoperability, making it easier for Web2 applications to transition smoothly to Web3 platforms. Developers can build decentralized applications (dApps) using familiar programming languages such as Rust, C++, and Go without deeply understanding complex blockchain concepts, significantly lowering the development barrier.

The potential applications of zkWASM are extensive, spanning sectors such as DeFi, GameFi, SocialFi, AI, Web2 migration, privacy protection, supply chain traceability, decentralized cloud computing, and IoT. By leveraging ZKP and Rollup technologies, zkWASM delivers high performance, privacy protection, and scalability, providing essential technical support for Web3 advancement.

While zkWASM still faces challenges related to computational overhead, development ecosystem maturity, and proof verification costs, continuous technological improvements and the adoption of hardware acceleration are steadily unlocking its potential. In the future, zkWASM is poised to become a key technology for decentralized computing, driving the Web3 ecosystem toward greater efficiency, security, and inclusiveness.