Technical Definition:

BitcoinZK is an innovative Layer 2 Bitcoin solution that brings the smart contract capabilities of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to the Bitcoin ecosystem by integrating zero-knowledge proofs (ZK Proofs) and the BitVM framework. This solution aims to enable intelligent scaling of Bitcoin, supporting decentralized applications (DAPPs) such as DeFi, NFTs, and asset issuance. It uses native BTC as gas fees and fully inherits Bitcoin's security and decentralization.

Core value proposition:

BitcoinZK is dedicated to solving two core bottlenecks of the Bitcoin network:

• Performance: Off-chain computations are verified through ZK succinct proofs, compressing the space occupied by on-chain data to approximately 1KB per batch, achieving a high throughput of thousands of transactions per second.
• Function: Utilizes BitVM to simulate logic gate circuits and Schnorr signatures, etc., enabling the Bitcoin mainnet to verify complex state transitions of Layer 2, fundamentally expanding the programmability of Bitcoin.

To achieve this grand blueprint, BitcoinZK has planned three gradual evolutionary stages to ensure that each step is solid and reliable.

Three-stage development roadmap

Phase 1: Parallel Testnet Phase (Foundation and Verification)

Expected time: 3–6 months

Verification network: EVM platform (BSC as a temporary verification layer)

Token mechanism: Tokens are issued on the BSC chain and rewards are executed according to rules through smart contracts

Stage goals:

• Complete network infrastructure construction and performance stress testing.
• Develop and test ZK Bridge (a cross-chain bridge between the Bitcoin mainnet and Layer 2).
• Recruit and run check nodes to conduct large-scale data testing and bug fixing.

Ecological development: Supports initial applications such as inscriptions, basic DeFi, and NFT, aiming to solve the congestion and high fee problems of the Bitcoin mainnet and attract early developers and users.

Significance of the stage:

• Risk control: Complete the initial verification and iteration of core technologies on the low-cost BSC to avoid the high trial-and-error costs and security risks that may arise from direct deployment to the Bitcoin mainnet.
• Community and ecosystem warm-up: By issuing BSC tokens and launching initial applications, we can quickly build an early developer community and accumulate the first batch of users, laying the market and public opinion foundation for subsequent development.
• Technical accumulation: Polish the efficiency of ZK proof generation and verification and the security of cross-chain bridges in actual combat, and make full technical preparations for the next stage of migration to the Bitcoin mainnet.

Phase 2: Mainnet Synchronization (Security and Decentralization)

Expected time: 3–5 years

Verification network: Bitcoin mainnet becomes the final verification layer

Token mechanism: Realize native incentives by rewarding nodes with block explosion rewards

Stage goals:

1. The verification of zero-knowledge proof is completely migrated to the Bitcoin mainnet, and the BitVM framework is used to implement the verification of state transitions.
2. Continue to optimize BitVM, enhance the expressiveness of logic gate circuits and scripts, and ultimately achieve Turing-complete smart contract functionality.
3. Build a complete decentralized node network (including edge nodes, guardian nodes, extension nodes, and check nodes).

Ecosystem planning: Supports complete DeFi Lego, NFT ecology, RWA asset issuance and complex on-chain governance applications.

Significance of this stage:

• Achieve true Bitcoin-level security: The validity of all Layer 2 transactions is ultimately verified by the Bitcoin mainnet through zero-knowledge proofs and BitVM, which means that BitcoinZK inherits the unparalleled security and censorship resistance of the Bitcoin mainnet.
• Unlocking Bitcoin's programmability: For the first time, without significantly changing the Bitcoin mainnet consensus, it has the ability to support Turing-complete smart contracts, fundamentally unleashing the enormous potential of more than one trillion US dollars in Bitcoin assets, transforming it from a static storage asset into productive and value-added DeFi capital.
• Achieve complete decentralization: Through a multi-level native incentive node network, get rid of dependence on any single third-party chain (such as BSC) and form a self-sustaining, trustless, decentralized economic system.

Phase 3: Value Capture (Ecosystem and Mainstream Adoption)

Expected time: 5 years or more

Verification network: Bitcoin mainnet

Stage goals:

• Develop into a prosperous DApp ecosystem comparable to Ethereum.
• Promote BTC from "digital gold" to a global "programmable value infrastructure".

Significance of the stage:

• Becoming Bitcoin's value layer: Capturing enormous value through thriving ecosystem applications (DeFi, NFT, RWA, etc.), BitcoinZK will not only be a scaling solution, but also become the value settlement hub and application center of the Bitcoin ecosystem, feeding back and strengthening Bitcoin's core position.
• Leading a paradigm shift: Successful implementation will drive a paradigm shift in the entire cryptocurrency industry, proving that the Bitcoin network can also support complex, high-frequency financial and application activities, challenging and changing the mainstream narrative that "Bitcoin is only suitable for value storage."
• Promote large-scale mainstream adoption: Low fees, high speed, and a secure and reliable experience will attract millions or even tens of millions of new users to the Bitcoin world, truly realizing Bitcoin's original vision as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system and programmable value carrier.