Architecture (MVP → Phased ZK)

A phased approach to building a production-ready zero-knowledge validation system, starting with an MVP and evolving toward full ZK-STARK integration.

Phase 1: MVP Foundation

Core Infrastructure

The MVP establishes the foundational infrastructure with simplified proof mechanisms. This phase focuses on validator registration, token locking, and basic proof submission without full ZK-STARK complexity.

  • Anchor-based on-chain programs for validator management
  • Token lock and unlock mechanisms with time-based constraints
  • Basic proof submission and verification framework
  • Simple slashing conditions for malicious behavior

Validator Economics

Initial economic model with fixed lock amounts and reward distribution. Validators stake tokens to participate, earning rewards for honest behavior and facing slashing for violations.

Phase 2: ZK-STARK Integration

Proof Generation

Full ZK-STARK proof generation for computational integrity. Provers generate cryptographic proofs that validators performed computations correctly without revealing the computation itself.

  • STARK-based proof generation using Stone prover
  • Transparent setup without trusted parties
  • Quantum-resistant security guarantees
  • Efficient verification on Solana

Aggregation Layer

Distributed aggregators combine multiple proofs into single submissions, reducing on-chain costs and improving scalability. Aggregators are incentivized through fee sharing.

Phase 3: Full Decentralization

Permissionless Network

Complete decentralization with permissionless prover and aggregator participation. Governance mechanisms enable community-driven protocol upgrades and parameter adjustments.

  • Open prover network with dynamic participation
  • Decentralized aggregator selection and rotation
  • On-chain governance for protocol parameters
  • Automated slashing and reward distribution
  • Cross-chain bridge support for multi-chain validation

System Components

On-Chain Layer

Solana programs managing validator state, token locks, proof verification, and reward distribution. Built with Anchor for security and maintainability.

Off-Chain Services

Prover network, aggregators, indexers, and orchestration services. Handles proof generation, aggregation, and data availability.

Data Layer

State commitments, proof storage, and indexing infrastructure. Ensures data availability and enables efficient querying.

Client Tools

CLI, SDKs, and APIs for validators, provers, and developers. Simplifies interaction with the protocol.