StarkWare verifies first zero-knowledge proof on Bitcoin

• StarkWare has verified the first zero-knowledge (ZK) proof on the Bitcoin.
• It’s part of the core Starknet developer’s plans to scale Bitcoin for mass adoption.

StarkWare has achieved a historic feat by completing the first zero-knowledge proof verification on the Bitcoin network, according to the details posted on X on Wednesday.

The blockchain developer revealed that after months of exploring, its developers have managed to verify the first ZK proof using a new STARK verifier, Stwo Verifier on OP_CAT-enabled Bitcoin Signet. It’s the first of many steps in the quest to scale Bitcoin.

Scale Bitcoin for mass use

StarkWare announced in June that the company was looking to scale Bitcoin for mass adoption using ZK proofs. With the new scaling solution, dApps can decide to settle on Bitcoin or Ethereum.

“Starknet will become the first network to settle simultaneously on Bitcoin and Ethereum and scale Bitcoin to many thousands of transactions per second. This will happen within six months after the potential Bitcoin upgrade, OP_CAT,” StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson wrote.

StarkWare offered a $1 million application grant targeted at research efforts around an OP_CAT in June.

“My dream is to see Bitcoin attain the scale it needs to serve everyone, constantly. This involves opening it up to participation for all, without financial barriers to entry. I believe it must happen with steadfast adherence to Satoshi’s insistence on decentralization and security,” Ben-Sasson added.