TL;DR
- Kakarot ZK-EVM, an EVM module based on ZK, has launched its public testing phase to enable the execution of smart contracts on Starknet.
- ZK-EVM allows developers to use Solidity to create and deploy smart contracts on STRK, eliminating the need to learn a new language.
- The integration of ZK-EVM aims to catalyze the growth and adoption of Starknet, enabling existing DeFi protocols to migrate seamlessly to the network.
Kakarot Labs, backed by StarkWare and Vitalik Buterin, has announced the public testing phase for Kakarot ZK-EVM, an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) module based on zero-knowledge proofs. This represents a significant step toward EVM compatibility on Starknet, the seventh-largest Layer 2 network by Total Value Locked (TVL).
ZK-EVM is built on the Cairo programming language and aims to allow more efficient and secure execution of smart contracts on Starknet. According to Elias Tazartes, CEO and co-founder of Kakarot Labs, “Kakarot is essentially an Ethereum execution engine built with Cairo.” Developers will be able to use Solidity, Ethereum’s standard programming language, to create and deploy smart contracts on STRK, eliminating the need to learn a new programming language.
Today is the DAY! 🥕
We’re super excited to announce that we’re entering our Public Whitelist Testnet phase: Kakarot Sepolia!
WTF is @KakarotZkEvm, and how to ape 🧵
Kakarot is an EVM-compatible ZK-Rollup built on the Cairo stack! On Testnet, Kakarot is a Ethereum Sepolia… pic.twitter.com/SulOP2wpgz
— Kakarot zkEVM (@KakarotZkEvm) May 22, 2024
The launch of ZK-EVM follows months of collaborative development between the StarkWare Exploration Team and the Starknet developer community. In June 2023, Kakarot Labs secured a pre-seed investment with participation from StarkWare and Vitalik Buterin, who have strongly endorsed and shown interest in the initiative.
Starknet Makes Strides Toward Mass Adoption
The integration of ZK-EVM into Starknet aims to accelerate the growth and adoption of the network, particularly in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. EVM compatibility will allow existing DeFi protocols on Ethereum to easily migrate to Starknet, leveraging its improved scalability and security.
The public testing phase of Kakarot ZK-EVM is the first step toward its implementation on the mainnet. During this phase, developers can test new features, make adjustments and optimizations, and contribute to the protocol’s development. Progress will be made with a strong commitment to transparency, security, and community involvement in the development process.
The launch of Kakarot ZK-EVM will have a lasting impact on the DeFi ecosystem on Ethereum. With this new capability to efficiently and securely execute smart contracts, Starknet becomes a more attractive option for developers and users seeking scalable and secure alternatives.
