Summary
- Boundless reported that it has unveiled a cross-chain verification system that verifies and settles ZK proofs generated on Ethereum and Base on Bitcoin.
- It said the new system is designed to use Bitcoin as the final verifier and settlement layer for ZK proofs, enabling permanent settlement.
- It added that the system integrates with BitVM and Citrea, and is seen as an example of the Layer 2 and rollup scaling push to use Bitcoin as a verification layer.
Zero-knowledge proof (ZK) network Boundless has unveiled a cross-chain verification system that can verify ZK proofs generated on Ethereum and Base on Bitcoin and settle them with finality.
According to a report by The Block on the 20th (local time), Boundless’ new system will initially operate in a structure that links from the Ethereum mainnet and Base Layer 2 (L2) to Bitcoin. The design enables computation-heavy ZK proofs to be permanently settled by using Bitcoin as the final verifier and settlement layer.
The system is implemented by combining Bitcoin Virtual Machine (BitVM) with Boundless’ ZK-based network. BitVM is an off-chain computation verification framework proposed in 2023 and launched in mid-2025, enabling limited smart-contract functionality without changes to the Bitcoin protocol. Boundless said this allows complex computation results to be anchored directly on Bitcoin.
In an interview with The Block, Boundless CEO Shiv Shankar said, “This isn’t about making Bitcoin like Ethereum—it’s about securing Ethereum-style execution with Bitcoin’s security,” adding that “Bitcoin serves as the final verifier and settlement layer for ZK proofs.”
Boundless’ system also integrates with the Bitcoin-based ZK rollup Citrea. Citrea is one of the Layer 2 projects, alongside OP_CTV and others, seeking to expand Bitcoin’s functionality, and is seen as an example of the push to use Bitcoin not merely as a payment instrument but as a verification layer.
Shankar said, “The Bitcoin ecosystem is moving beyond being simply a store of value toward performing more verification without consensus changes,” adding, “As Layer 1 competition intensifies, rollups need a more neutral and robust settlement layer.”
