Risc Zero

RISC Zero is a next-generation zero-knowledge infrastructure provider delivering a universal, high-performance zkVM that is open-source, developer-friendly, and highly scalable. By removing the traditional complexities of writing circuits, RISC Zero allows developers to build ZK-powered applications directly in Rust, enabling rapid prototyping and unlocking a wide range of decentralized use cases.

One of the platform’s standout innovations is its fully featured zkVM, which can execute arbitrary programs and generate cryptographic proofs of execution. This means developers can write normal Rust code and generate ZK proofs with no cryptographic expertise. Applications can then be verified across major blockchains using the RISC Zero Universal Verifier, inheriting native security and interoperability. This dramatically simplifies the creation of cross-chain and privacy-preserving apps.

The performance benchmarks of the zkVM are industry-leading, thanks to optimizations such as GPU acceleration (using CUDA and Metal), proof continuations, and blazing-fast aggregation. Compared to traditional ZK systems or alternatives like ZK Science, Scroll, or Polygon zkEVM, RISC Zero achieves both speed and cost-efficiency, making large-scale deployment of ZK apps feasible.

Use cases for RISC Zero include ZK co-processors (to offload expensive smart contract logic), ZK fraud proofs for optimistic rollups (like Optimism), and even unique applications such as proving ECDSA signatures, searching for hidden images (as in “Where’s Waldo”), or verifying game states (like in ZK Checkmate). The zkVM supports 70%+ of the top 1000 Rust crates, enabling use of JSON, image processing, Ethereum libraries, and more—without needing to write a single cryptographic circuit.

Importantly, RISC Zero is 100% open source and actively maintained by a community of contributors. It is aligned with the Ethereum ecosystem, supports Solidity smart contracts via its EVM-aligned zkVM (“Steel”), and integrates with data availability layers such as Celestia using solutions like Blobstream Zero. With support for AVSs, rollups, and decentralized proving networks, RISC Zero is positioned to become a key building block in the modular blockchain future.

The project's mission is to make zero-knowledge accessible to all. By offering production-ready tools, blazing-fast proof systems, and out-of-the-box developer support, RISC Zero is not just enabling privacy and trustlessness—but building the core infrastructure for verifiable computing across Web3 and beyond.

RISC Zero offers a powerful suite of benefits that make it a top-tier solution in the zero-knowledge ecosystem:

• Rust-Based zkVM: Developers can write ZK applications using Rust, enabling fast prototyping without circuit design or cryptography knowledge.
• Cross-Chain Proof Verification: The Universal Verifier supports seamless multi-chain proof verification, expanding app reach and trust.
• Performance Optimization: With GPU acceleration and proof aggregation, RISC Zero delivers best-in-class speed and low costs for scaling.
• Open Source & Community-Driven: Entirely open source and maintained by contributors globally on GitHub, ensuring transparency and innovation.
• EVM-Compatible Layer: The Steel zkVM allows Solidity contracts to run with reduced gas fees and improved performance.
• Future-Proof Architecture: Designed to support modular upgrades, making it flexible for evolving ZK needs.

Getting started with RISC Zero is simple and developer-friendly. Here’s how:

• Explore the zkVM: Visit the official RISC Zero website and read the documentation to understand the zkVM capabilities.
• Install the SDK: Set up the RISC Zero SDK and start writing ZK apps in Rust—no circuit design needed.
• Join the Community: Engage with developers via the Discord, submit issues or PRs on GitHub, and collaborate on innovative ZK projects.
• Deploy Anywhere: Use the Universal Verifier to integrate your ZK apps across Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism and other ecosystems.