What is zero-knowledge proof?

Zero-knowledge proofs allow one party to prove the truth of a statement to another party without revealing additional information. This encryption technology ensures privacy and trustlessness, making it an ideal choice for blockchain applications. Zero-knowledge proofs support private transactions, scalable second-layer solutions, and decentralized identity systems. With the ZKP market expected to exceed $5 billion by 2025, these projects are at the forefront of Web3 innovation.

2025 Worth Following Zero-Knowledge Project Rankings

zkSync

Overview: zkSync, developed by Matter Labs, is an Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution based on zk-Rollups. It processes thousands of transactions off-chain and batches them into a single ZKP for on-chain verification, thus reducing gas fees and congestion.
Key Features:

• Scalability: Supports up to 20,000 transactions per second (TPS).

• EVM CompatibilitySeamlessly integrated with the Ethereum ecosystem.

• PrivacyAchieve private transactions through zk-SNARKs.

• Ecosystem: More than 200 dApps, including Uniswap and Chainlink, are running on the zkSync Era.

Why should we pay attention to 2025: The zkSync mainnet zkSync Era continues to expand, with improved developer tools featuring native account abstraction, driving widespread adoption.
StarkNet

Overview: StarkNet, built by StarkWare, is a Layer 2 solution for Ethereum that uses zk-STARKs (Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent ARguments). Unlike zk-SNARKs, zk-STARKs avoid trusted setups, enhancing security and decentralization.
Key Features:

• High ThroughputProcess millions of transactions at low cost.

• Cairo language: Optimized the ZKP calculation with a custom programming language.

• Application: Powers DeFi (e.g., dYdX) and NFT platforms.

• TransparencyNo trust settings reduce centralization risks.

Reasons worth following in 2025: StarkNet's planned upgrade, including sharding and recursive proofs, will further enhance scalability and attract enterprise use cases.
Aztec Network

Overview: Aztec Network focuses on using zk-Rollups for private transactions on Ethereum. Its PLONK-based ZKP system can achieve confidential DeFi and payments, protecting detailed information of senders, receivers, and amounts.
Key Features:

• Privacy FirstProvide fully private smart contracts.

• DeFi Integration: Support private lending, trading, and liquidity mining.

• Low costReduce transaction fees by batch proof.

• Noir Language: Simplified private dApp development.

Why should we pay attention to 2025: The upcoming mainnet upgrade of Aztec and collaboration with DeFi protocols such as Aave will expand its private financial ecosystem.
Mina Protocol

Overview: The Mina Protocol is the world's lightest blockchain, maintaining a constant size of 22 KB with the help of recursive ZKPs. It supports privacy-preserving dApps and decentralized identity solutions.
Key Features:

• Lightweight design: To eliminate storage bloat, it is very suitable for mobile devices and low-resource devices.

• Snapps: ZKP-powered smart contracts for private applications.

• Privacy: Support for anonymous credentials and data sharing.

• MINA Token: For pledging and governance.

The reasons worth paying attention to in 2025: Mina focuses on lightweight, easy-to-access blockchain solutions, making it adoptable in IoT and mobile Web3 applications.
Polygon zkEVM

Overview: Polygon zkEVM, as part of the Polygon scaling solution, is a Layer 2 solution that is Ethereum-compatible and uses zk-Rollups. It combines Ethereum's security with Polygon's low-cost infrastructure.
Key Features:

• EVM EquivalenceSupports existing Ethereum tools and dApps.

• Scalability: Process thousands of TPS at the lowest cost.

• Privacy Options: Integrate ZKP for private transactions.

• EcosystemBacked by Polygon's $1 billion DeFi and NFT market.

Why should we pay attention to 2025: Polygon zkEVM's enterprise partnerships and developer-friendly tools will drive its adoption in gaming, DeFi, and supply chain applications.

Why Zero Knowledge projects are important

ZKPs solve two key challenges of blockchain: scalability and privacy. Traditional blockchains like Ethereum face difficulties in high fees and limited throughput, and public ledgers expose transaction data. ZKP projects provide:

• Scalability: zk-Rollups batch process transactions, achieving millions of TPS.

• Privacy: Protect sensitive data and support confidential financial and identity solutions.

• DecentralizationTransparent protocols like zk-STARKs reduce reliance on trusted setups.

• Accessibility: Lightweight design (e.g., Mina) makes Web3 more inclusive.

By 2025, these projects will be crucial to the Ethereum's layer 2 ecosystem, which will process over 60% of zero-knowledge proof-based transactions, and will also see the emergence of new chains like Solana and Polkadot.

Challenges faced by the ZKP project

Despite promising, zero-knowledge proof projects face obstacles:

• Compute costProof of work requires a lot of processing power, increasing costs.

• Complexity: Developing dApps based on ZKP requires advanced cryptography expertise.

• InteroperabilityIntegrating ZKP between blockchains is still a technical challenge.

• Adopt: Education for developers and users on the benefits of zero-knowledge proofs is underway.

Innovations such as hardware acceleration and developer tools (e.g. Circom, Hardhat) are addressing these issues and paving the way for wider adoption.

Zero Knowledge Future in 2025

By 2025, the ZKP market is expected to experience explosive growth, driven by regulatory tailwinds and technological advancements. The EU's GDPR and global privacy laws are in line with ZKP principles, encouraging adoption by businesses in finance, healthcare, and supply chain sectors. Meanwhile, layer 2 solutions are set to reduce Ethereum gas fees by up to 90%, enabling millions to access Web3.
Projects like zkSync, StarkNet, Aztec, Mina, and Polygon zkEVM are leading this process, with each project dedicated to solving unique use cases ranging from private DeFi to lightweight blockchain. With the improvement of developer tools and the progress of cross-chain interoperability, ZKP will redefine the scalability and privacy of blockchain.

Conclusion

Zero-knowledge proof is unlocking the full potential of Web3, enabling scalable, private, and secure Blockchain. By 2025, zkSync, StarkNet, Aztec Network, Mina Protocol, and Polygon zkEVM are pioneers driving innovation across DeFi, identity verification, and other fields. For investors, developers, and users, these projects represent the future of decentralized technology where privacy and efficiency can coexist seamlessly.

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