Joseph Lubin: Ethereum Will Not See a 'Second Foundation' and Could Become a Fully Zero-Knowledge Proof-Based Protocol in 3 to 5 Years

Consensys CEO Joseph Lubin said that Ethereum is expected to develop into a protocol fully based on zero-knowledge proofs (ZK Proofs) within the next 3 to 5 years. This would not only optimize the main chain but also enhance the composability between Ethereum and Layer 2 networks. Lubin stated his support for the "Rollup-centric roadmap," believing that by strengthening Layer 1, introducing the "Lean Ethereum" initiative, and promoting ZK proofs, the Ethereum base layer can be significantly upgraded. Lean Ethereum aims to achieve over 10,000 transactions per second while maintaining a high degree of decentralization on the mainnet, and to support privacy and quantum-resistant computing solutions.

Regarding Layer 2, Lubin pointed out that ZK technology is already enabling real-time proving in some L2 networks. He plans to extend this capability to Layer 1, eventually transitioning to a fully ZK-based core protocol supported by multiple provers. For example, projects like Consensys' Linea chain and Gnosis are using zero-knowledge proofs to achieve synchronous transactions across networks, which could potentially eliminate the need for bridges and unify fragmented liquidity.

Lubin emphasized that the initial "differentiation phase" of the Rollup roadmap is intended to provide an experimental space for Layer 2 technologies. Although this might fragment liquidity in the short term, it lays the foundation for Ethereum's future infinite scalability and technological iteration. He believes that some L2 technologies will become systemically important components, and this exploration process is necessary.

Additionally, Lubin addressed recent personnel changes at the Ethereum Foundation (EF) and rumors of a "Second Foundation." He stated that there will be no Second Foundation. The EF will continue to focus on core protocol development, usability and scalability, and institutional partnerships. At the same time, it will support at least three independent teams spun off from the EF to focus on protocol, user experience, and institutional outreach work. (The Block)