Boundless Unveils ZKC Token: Driving Scalable Zero-Knowledge Proof Protocol Across Blockchains

Boundless, a pioneering universal protocol designed to integrate zero-knowledge proof (ZK proof) technology into all blockchain ecosystems, has officially launched its native token, ZKC. This standalone ZK-proof layer aims to enhance scalability and interoperability across blockchain networks without requiring modifications to their existing infrastructure. The introduction of ZKC solidifies Boundless’ role as a foundational layer for decentralized scalability and computational efficiency.

A Universal ZK-Proof Protocol for Every Blockchain

The Boundless protocol offers a revolutionary solution for implementing zero-knowledge proofs across blockchain ecosystems by enabling independent proving nodes to generate proofs on behalf of Layer 1 blockchains, applications, and rollups. By offloading resource-intensive computational processes to the Boundless network while still verifying proofs on-chain, the protocol provides seamless, scalable, and interoperable functionality without disrupting existing network operations.

One of its core features, horizontal scalability, ensures that throughput can exponentially grow as new proving nodes are added to the network. This scalability design positions Boundless as a long-term solution for increasing transaction capacity without compromising efficiency.

The Role of ZKC in the Ecosystem

As the native token of the Boundless protocol, ZKC underpins the entire ZK-proof ecosystem by enabling crucial mechanisms for proof generation and staking. Provers in the network must stake ZKC as collateral before initiating proof-generation tasks, aligning computational work with economic incentives. As adoption increases across multiple blockchain platforms, the total amount of staked ZKC will rise, further cementing its role as the backbone of the ecosystem.

In addition to staking, Boundless supports flexible payment options for proof generation. Developers have the option to pay transaction fees in the native tokens of their blockchain ecosystems, such as ETH on Ethereum or SOL and USDC on Solana. This interoperability feature makes Boundless adaptable to a wide range of blockchains, deepening its utility as a universal ZK-proof infrastructure provider.

Proof of Verifiable Work (PoVW): A New Paradigm for Incentivized Computation

Boundless introduces an innovative incentive model known as Proof of Verifiable Work (PoVW). Unlike traditional Proof of Work (PoW), which prioritizes random hash operations, PoVW rewards provers for executing meaningful computational tasks — specifically, generating ZK proofs in a decentralized, permissionless environment.

This mechanism requires provers to stake ZKC tokens proportional to the proof workload they take on, creating a system where computational effort directly correlates with rewards. As proof-generation demand increases, this staking model fosters competition among provers while incentivizing high-performance nodes. Ultimately, PoVW aligns token issuance with valuable network contributions, driving faster and more efficient ZK-proof generation.

ZKC Tokenomics: The Core Dynamics of the Protocol

Proving Collateral

Proving nodes must stake ZKC tokens as collateral valued at nearly ten times the maximum potential fee before accepting proof-generation tasks. If a prover fails to complete their assigned workload within the set timeframe, the protocol enforces slashing penalties, with 50% of the staked tokens permanently burned and the remainder redistributed as bounties for other provers. This strict mechanism ensures adherence to service-level agreements while reducing the circulating token supply in response to increased proof demand.

Protocol Staking and Participation

Staking ZKC opens participation in Boundless and rewards stakers through PoVW incentives. Stakers also gain voting rights for governing protocol decisions, further incentivizing early and long-term participation. Protocol staking accounts for 25% of epoch rewards, encouraging widespread engagement in the ecosystem.

Mining Rewards for Provers

Proving nodes — the backbone infrastructure of Boundless — earn up to 75% of epoch token issuance as mining rewards through the PoVW mechanism. This token distribution model reinforces the connection between network activity and valuable computational tasks, rewarding efficiency and scalability.

Governance and Influence

ZKC holders have the power to shape Boundless’ future by participating in governance through a time-weighted voting model. Similar to governance frameworks used by protocols like Curve, Boundless prioritizes the contributions of long-term stakeholders while nurturing active community and developer participation.

Token Allocation and Distribution Strategy

The initial ZKC token supply is set at 1 billion, allocated to ensure long-term growth and incentivized adoption:

• Ecosystem Growth (49%): Includes funds for developer tools, enterprise integrations, and grants to encourage widespread ZK-proof adoption. Specifically, the ecosystem fund accounts for 31%, while the strategic growth fund constitutes 18%.
• Core Team and Early Contributors (23.5%): Reserved for stakeholders like the core team, early contributors, and RISC Zero, which incubated the project.
• Community Token Sale and Airdrops (6%): Rewards for early adopters and contributors, fostering community growth.
• Investors (21.5%): Allocations for strategic partners providing funding and technical support during the protocol’s development.

Tokens are subject to a one-year cliff period, followed by a two-year controlled vesting process. The protocol aims to gradually reduce annual inflation from 7% in year one to 3% in year eight, creating a sustainable growth model. Coupled with mechanisms like proof-demand-based collateral staking and token burns, these measures strategically balance token supply with network value.

Boundless’ Vision for Decentralized Scalability

“Boundless is a universal protocol designed to bring zero-knowledge computation to every blockchain, with ZKC serving as the backbone that supports all proofs within this ecosystem,” the Boundless team declared.

By enabling scalable, interoperable ZK proofs, Boundless aims to redefine blockchain scalability while establishing itself as a foundational infrastructure layer. This universal protocol holds the potential to advance zero-knowledge verification as a cornerstone of the decentralized future.

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Stay ahead of blockchain innovation and explore the limitless possibilities of zero-knowledge technology with Boundless.