# LayerEdge Testnet Launch (Incentivized): Building the Bitcoin-Backed Internet By [LayerEdge](https://paragraph.com/@layeredge) · 2025-01-23 --- Following a successful Devnet phase, we at LayerEdge are proud to announce the launch of our LayerEdge Testnet (Incentivized). This marks a significant milestone in pioneering the Bitcoin-backed internet by delivering Bitcoin’s unmatched security guarantees to a broader blockchain ecosystem. ![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/ce3c87c9d4b27e4600e016bf859c5b47b76be74d9868ba6f4f42ac487fdd7896.png) **Devnet Highlights:** ---------------------- * 24,000+ batches processed * 240,000+ proofs verified * $2M+ in estimated cost savings * 8+ protocols secured and aggregated **About LayerEdge Testnet** --------------------------- As a **Babylon Bitcoin Secured Network (BSN)**, LayerEdge leverages staked BTC’s security from Babylon, while making BitVM modular, extending Bitconi’s security guarantees across layers. _At LayerEdge, we are committed to creating a robust foundation for the decentralized web_, with a vision to make Bitcoin-backed verification universally accessible, scalable, and secure. Our core focus areas include: **Our core focus:** ------------------- * Efficient proof aggregation at scale. * Modular BitVM implementation for **_universal compatibility_**. * Seamless integration with Babylon for **_Bitcoin-grade security_**. * A robust verification infrastructure adaptable to all layers. Proofs from top protocols like **Avail, Bitfinity** and others are currently being aggregated and secured on Bitcoin Signet via LayerEdge with many coming soon with this testnet release! **What’s New on the Testnet?** ------------------------------ Along with the Testnet we are excited to announce **RISC Zero’s zkVM** integration into our ZK proof aggregation platform. By utilizing RISC Zero’s ZK Coprocessors, we can shift heavy computations off-chain to reduce gas costs while maintaining Bitcoin-backed security. The performance-optimized circuits, GPU acceleration, and Rust-based development offer an unparalleled toolset for efficient, scalable proof settlements on Bitcoin. Our Devnet’s implementation of inscribing state transition on a [Public Bitcoin Signet](http://mempool.catsignet.com/) now has an even easier module for any user to try it on the dashboard, allowing any user to generate a proof of any input and settle it to Bitcoin Signet just in a few clicks. The Testnet also allows any user to run a light node on top of the network to verify proofs on leaf-level when they’re aggregating, before the state transition is settled on Bitcoin Signet, while earning rewards for it. How **LayerEdge’s Light Node Verification via Stochastic Sampling** of Proofs work is defined in detail in this [paper](https://github.com/Layer-Edge/Whitepaper/blob/main/Light_Nodes_Whitepaper.pdf) or on our documentation: [**Light Node Verification via Stochastic Sampling of Proofs | LayerEdge**](https://docs.layeredge.io/network/consensus/light-node-verification-via-stochastic-sampling-of-proofs?source=post_page-----a7874d2e5cea--------------------------------) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### [LayerEdge provides a scalable and secure method to verify large sets of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs sourced from a…](https://docs.layeredge.io/network/consensus/light-node-verification-via-stochastic-sampling-of-proofs?source=post_page-----a7874d2e5cea--------------------------------) [https://docs.layeredge.io/network/consensus/light-node-verification-via-stochastic-sampling-of-proofs?source=post\_page-----a7874d2e5cea--------------------------------](https://docs.layeredge.io/network/consensus/light-node-verification-via-stochastic-sampling-of-proofs?source=post_page-----a7874d2e5cea--------------------------------) **Testnet Roll-out Structure** ------------------------------ **Phase 1: Closed Testnet** (_January 20 — January 28, 2025_)Stress-testing with community access to browser-based light nodes. **Phase 2: Public Beta Testnet** (_January 28, 2025_)Full launch with options for browser-based and system-based light nodes. **What’s Missing?** ------------------- The implementation of **trust-minimized verification on Bitcoin (BitVM based)**, is still a work in progress. This means that LayerEdge Testnet does not yet implement verification on Bitcoin for the final aggregated proof, but supports the settlement of final aggregated proof in the format of a cenotaph rune. A gradual rollout of the features enables LayerEdge to stress-test the network and identify bugs before moving on to the next phases. Additionally, users will also have the ability to visualize the entire Merkle tree of proofs directly on the LayerEdge dashboard. **Join Testnet** ---------------- Developers and users are invited to join the Testnet, experience the easier interface to test the enhanced aggregation module, participate in quests, run a light node and contribute in shaping the future of Bitcoin-backed Internet, **all while earning rewards in LayerEdge’s Points by accessing our dashboard**: [https://dashboard.layeredge.io/](https://dashboard.layeredge.io/) You’ll need an invite code to access the dashboard, which you can either achieve by activity in LayerEdge Discord or ask a friend who already has an access. **About LayerEdge** ------------------- LayerEdge is the first decentralized network that enhances the capabilities of Bitcoin Blockspace with ZK & BitVM, enabling every layer to be secured on Bitcoin. By leveraging BitVM based trust-minimized verification & proof aggregation, LayerEdge Network enables rollups, blockchains to settle on Bitcoin at up to 1% of the required blockspace and associated costs. LayerEdge’s mission is to power the Bitcoin backed Internet for all layers, blockchains, rollups and apps. LayerEdge is developing a proof aggregation & verification layer bringing efficient trust-minimized settlement to Bitcoin, light clients for proof sampling, and a Universal Validator Set (UVS). [Website](http://layeredge.io/) | [Documentation |](http://docs.layeredge.io/) [X](https://x.com/layeredge) [|](https://twitter.com/layeredge) [Medium |](https://blog.layeredge.io/) [Discord |](https://discord.gg/layeredge) [Telegram](http://t.me/layeredge) --- *Originally published on [LayerEdge](https://paragraph.com/@layeredge/layeredge-testnet-launch-incentivized-building-the-bitcoin-backed-internet)*