LayerEdge has officially launched its Incentivized Testnet, a major milestone following the successful Devnet phase. The testnet aims to build a trust-minimized, Bitcoin-powered internet by leveraging Bitcoin's security guarantees, zero-knowledge (ZK) proof aggregation, and a modular approach.
Devnet Achievements
The Devnet phase delivered impressive results: over 24,000 packets processed, more than 240,000 proofs verified, an estimated $2 million in cost savings, and 8+ protocols secured and integrated. These metrics underscore the transformative potential of joint verification and ZK proof aggregation, setting the stage for the testnet launch.
Core Technology of LayerEdge
LayerEdge utilizes Babylon's Bitcoin Security Network (BSN) to enable a trust-minimized, modular BitVM implementation backed by staked BTC. Its core capabilities include:
- Efficient large-scale proof aggregation
- Modular BitVM infrastructure
- Robust Bitcoin-backed security via Babylon
- Universal verification systems
Proofs from top protocols like Avail and Bitfinity are already being aggregated and secured on Bitcoin Signet via LayerEdge, with more to come through this testnet release.
Integration of RISC Zero's zkVM
A key enhancement in this testnet is the integration of RISC Zero's zkVM technology. By leveraging RISC Zero's advanced ZK processors and built-in GPU acceleration, LayerEdge enables efficient off-chain computation, significantly reducing gas costs while maintaining robust security. The composite and recursive circuits of RISC Zero allow rapid and scalable proof generation, enabling developers to benefit from mature toolchains and a Rust-based development environment.
This integration allows LayerEdge to efficiently aggregate ZK proofs and finalize them on Bitcoin, opening new possibilities for scalable, trust-minimized applications that derive security from Bitcoin.
What's New in the Testnet
The Devnet's state change recording application on the public Bitcoin Signet is now available with a user-friendly dashboard module. Any user can generate a proof for any input and submit it to Bitcoin Signet in just a few clicks.
The testnet also allows any user to run a light node to verify proofs via stochastic sampling before state changes are finalized on Bitcoin Signet, earning rewards in LayerEdge Points for their contributions. The light node verification mechanism is detailed in the official whitepaper.
Testnet Deployment Plan
LayerEdge is rolling out the testnet in two strategic phases:
- Closed Testnet: Currently live as a 6-day stress test open only to selected participants.
- Public Beta: Fully open to the public on January 28, 2025.
It is important to note that the implementation of trust-minimized verification on Bitcoin (BitVM-based) is still a work in progress. This means the testnet does not yet verify the final batch proof on Bitcoin, but it supports settlement of the final batch proof in the form of a Runes inscription. The phased rollout allows LayerEdge to stress-test the network and identify bugs before moving to subsequent stages.
How to Participate
Developers and users are invited to join the testnet by exploring the enhanced aggregation module via the dashboard, completing tasks, running a light node, and earning LayerEdge Points while helping shape the future of Bitcoin-backed internet. Simply visit dashboard.layeredge.io. Access requires an invitation code, available through LayerEdge Discord activities or from existing participants.
About LayerEdge
LayerEdge is the first decentralized network that enhances Bitcoin block space capabilities with ZK and BitVM, securing every layer on Bitcoin and enabling trust-minimized settlement with true Bitcoin Rollups. By leveraging BitVM-based trust-minimized verification and proof aggregation, LayerEdge reduces the required block space and associated costs for rollups or blockchains settling on Bitcoin to as little as 1%. LayerEdge's mission is to power Bitcoin-backed internet for all layers, blockchains, rollups, and applications.