What is Boundless (ZKC)?

Deep Dive

1. Purpose & Technology

Boundless acts as a universal ZK layer, allowing developers to bypass blockchain gas limits and block sizes by outsourcing computation to a decentralized prover network. Provers generate ZK proofs (cryptographic guarantees of correct execution) for tasks like rollup finality or cross-chain bridges. The protocol uses Proof-of-Verifiable-Work (PoVW), where provers stake $ZKC to participate and earn rewards proportional to proof complexity (Boundless Docs). This architecture separates execution (off-chain) from settlement (on-chain), enabling high-throughput applications.

2. Tokenomics & Governance

$ZKC serves three core functions:
- Staking: Provers lock $ZKC as collateral to accept jobs, with slashing for faulty proofs.
- Rewards: Provers earn $ZKC based on proof volume and difficulty, while stakers receive protocol fees.
- Governance: Holders vote on parameters like fee structures and protocol upgrades.
The token has a genesis supply of 1 billion, with controlled inflation starting at 7% annually, tapering to 3% by Year 8 (Mumu_yay on X).

3. Key Differentiators

Unlike chain-specific ZK solutions, Boundless is chain-agnostic, allowing any blockchain to integrate ZK proofs without modifying their base layer. Its PoVW model replaces energy-intensive mining with verifiable computation, aligning incentives with useful work. The protocol’s capacity scales linearly with the number of provers, creating a competitive market for cheaper, faster proofs.

Conclusion

Boundless positions ZK proofs as a commodity, enabling blockchains to scale like the internet by outsourcing computation. Its success hinges on attracting developers needing cost-efficient verification and provers seeking rewards. Can Boundless standardize ZK infrastructure across fragmented ecosystems, or will chain-specific solutions dominate?