Joe Lubin: No Second Foundation for Ethereum; It Could Become a Fully ZK-Based Protocol in 3-5 Years

Odaily- Odaily Planet Daily News, Consensys CEO Joseph Lubin stated that Ethereum is expected to develop into a fully ZK Proof-based protocol within the next 3 to 5 years. This will not only optimize the main chain but also enhance Ethereum's composability with Layer 2. Joseph Lubin said he supports 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 support privacy and quantum-resistant computing solutions.

Regarding Layer 2, Joseph Lubin pointed out that ZK technology has already achieved real-time proving on some L2 networks. He plans to extend this capability to Layer 1, ultimately transitioning to a fully ZK-based base protocol supported by multiple provers. For example, the Linea chain developed by Consensys, and projects like Gnosis, are utilizing zero-knowledge proofs to achieve cross-network synchronous transactions, potentially eliminating the need for bridges and unifying fragmented liquidity.

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

Furthermore, Joseph 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, and the EF will continue to focus on core protocol development, usability and scalability, and institutional collaboration. It will also support at least three independent teams spun off from the EF, focusing on protocol, user experience, and institutional expansion efforts. (The Block)