Deep Dive
1. Mainnet Launch (15 September 2025)
Overview: Boundless activated its mainnet, shifting from beta to a production-ready network for decentralized ZK-proof generation. The update introduced a marketplace where provers stake $ZKC to validate computations for chains like Ethereum and rollups.
This release included the Proof-of-Verifiable-Work (PoVW) mechanism, which rewards provers based on proof complexity and speed. Provers must lock $ZKC as collateral, aligning incentives with honest work. By November 2025, over 2,500 provers had joined, tightening $ZKC supply as demand grew.
What this means: This is bullish for ZKC because it establishes a decentralized, fee-generating ecosystem. Increased proof demand directly boosts $ZKC’s utility and scarcity. (Source)
2. Proof-of-Verifiable-Work Upgrade (September 2025)
Overview: The protocol’s economic model was overhauled to reward stakers and provers every 48-hour epoch. Updates included slashing conditions for faulty proofs and governance voting for fee adjustments.
Developers also optimized gas costs for on-chain proof verification, reducing fees by ~30% for applications like cross-chain DeFi. The upgrade attracted integrations with Wormhole (for ZK-secured bridges) and Lido (for validator exit proofs).
What this means: This is neutral for ZKC short-term due to inflationary tokenomics (7% annual issuance), but long-term bullish as staking locks supply and incentivizes network security. (Source)
3. Steel ZK Coprocessor Integration (October 2025)
Overview: The “Steel” module allows EVM chains to offload heavy computations (e.g., risk modeling, historical data checks) to Boundless, with results written back at fixed gas costs.
This update lets DeFi protocols execute millions of state queries (e.g., checking collateral across chains) in a single ZK-proof batch. Early adopters include OP Stack rollups, which reduced finality from days to hours using hybrid fraud proofs.
What this means: This is bullish for ZKC because it expands use cases for provers, driving demand for $ZKC staking and proof-generation services. (Source)
Conclusion
Boundless’ codebase advances prioritize scalability (via Steel) and sustainable incentives (PoVW). While token volatility persists post-mainnet, protocol adoption by major DeFi/Rollup projects could stabilize demand. How will ZKC’s inflation schedule impact staker returns as proof volume grows?