Ethereum

Lean

Drake

Gnosis

<p>Consensys CEO Joseph Lubin (<a href="https://x.com/ethereumJoseph" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">@ethereumJoseph</a>) believes <a href="https://x.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=cashtag_click" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">$ETH</a> could look fundamentally different within the next few years. Speaking to The Block, Lubin said he expects Ethereum to evolve into a fully zero-knowledge proof based protocol within three to five years, a shift that would improve the base layer and strengthen composability between Ethereum and its Layer 2 networks.</p>
<h2 id="scaling-the-base-layer">Scaling the Base Layer</h2>
<p>Central to Lubin's argument is the need to strengthen Ethereum's Layer 1, not just build around it. He pointed to Lean Ethereum as a key part of that effort. Proposed by Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake, Lean Ethereum is a long-term plan to simplify and strengthen the mainchain using zero-knowledge cryptography, covering upgrades across the consensus, data, and execution layers. The roadmap targets around 10,000 transactions per second on mainnet while preserving decentralization, and includes native privacy and quantum-resistant solutions.</p>
<p>Lubin described his support for the rollup-centric roadmap, but stressed that scaling Layer 1 is what makes the broader strategy work. For Lubin, Layer 2 networks remain critical, particularly as testing grounds for difficult technologies before they reach the mainnet.</p>
<h2 id="from-fragmentation-to-composability">From Fragmentation to Composability</h2>
<p>On the Layer 2 side, Lubin noted that ZK technology has already reached real-time proof generation on certain networks. Chains such as Consensys's own Linea and Gnosis are already using zero-knowledge proofs to synchronize transactions across networks, with the longer-term goal of supporting a single atomic execution environment where users can move assets without bridges. "You can unify fragmented liquidity that way," Lubin said.</p>
<p>He framed the rollup ecosystem as moving from a divergence phase, where optimistic rollups enabled fast market entry, into a convergence phase focused on composability. The base layer improvements, ZK proving, and tighter integration between Layer 1 and Layer 2 are all part of that shift.</p>
<p>If the transition succeeds, a fully ZK based Ethereum would improve security, efficiency, and cross-chain composability across the ecosystem. The outcome Lubin described is a network built for speed and scale, without compromising on decentralization.</p>
<p><strong>Sources:</strong><br><a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/404185/ethereum-fully-zero-knowledge-proof-based-protocol-3-to-5-years-joe-lubin" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The Block: Ethereum could become a fully zero-knowledge proof-based protocol in 3 to 5 years, Joe Lubin says</a><br><a href="https://cryptoslate.com/justin-drake-reveals-10-year-lean-ethereum-roadmap-to-achieve-10k-tps-on-mainnet/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CryptoSlate: Justin Drake reveals 10-year Lean Ethereum roadmap</a><br><a href="https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2025/07/31/ethereum-s-justin-drake-unveils-lean-roadmap-to-fend-off-quantum-threats" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">CoinDesk: Ethereum's Justin Drake Unveils Lean Roadmap</a></p>

Ethereum May Look Very Different in Five Years

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