The Nodle Network has reached a major milestone — the first NODL mint on Ethereum Layer 1 (L1) has been completed, officially activating the new bridge between ZKsync (L2) and Ethereum Mainnet (L1). This pivotal moment expands NODL’s reach and interoperability, allowing users and institutions to engage with a broader spectrum of protocols, liquidity venues, and DeFi applications across Web3.

As Nodle continues to grow within the ZKsync ecosystem, interoperability is at the heart of its strategy. ZKsync provides the performance, scalability and developer flexibility needed to power Nodle’s token economy. With the recent Atlas Upgrade, ZKsync introduced major advancements - including near real-time finality, multi-VM compatibility, and cross-chain coordination through the ZK Stack. Together, these features enable a seamless network of sovereign chains anchored by Ethereum’s security and liquidity.

In this context, the Ethereum bridge acts as an anchor extension, designed not to replace ZKsync but to complement it. The bridge empowers users and enterprises to access established DeFi protocols, institutional liquidity, and on-chain services native to Ethereum - all while maintaining ZKsync as the operational home of the NODL token.

The bridge introduces a two-way interoperability mechanism between ZKsync’s Layer 2 and Ethereum’s Layer 1.

It operates through two synchronized NODL representations:

• NODL (L2) on ZKsync — the canonical version of the token, where all minting originates.

• NODL (L1) on Ethereum — an ERC-20 representation minted and burned by the bridge contracts.

The bridge ensures one-to-one parity through a burn-and-mint process:

• When tokens move from L2 to L1, ZKsync NODL is locked and the same amount is minted as ERC-20 NODL on Ethereum.

• When tokens return, the L1 tokens are burned, and the equivalent L2 amount is released.

This model guarantees a synchronized supply across both networks, preserving integrity and preventing duplication.

• When sending NODL from zkSync to Ethereum, the transfer may take up to 24 hours before tokens become claimable on L1. This waiting period corresponds to the “finalize” step, which occurs once zkSync publishes its proofs on Ethereum.

• In contrast, transfers from Ethereum to zkSync are typically much faster — usually within an hour or less, based on network conditions and zkSync’s confirmation speed.

The Nodle–Ethereum bridge is fully live, secure, and functional. Users can already transfer their NODL tokens between zkSync Era and Ethereum Layer 1 using the available contract interfaces.

However, for a smoother experience, the Nodle team is currently developing a dedicated, user-friendly interface that will be integrated directly into Nodle’s Portal at zkclient.nodle.com

This upcoming UI will simplify deposits, withdrawals and status tracking between layers - ensuring that users can interact with the bridge quickly, securely and with full transparency.

A forthcoming blog post will delve into the Portal, upcoming integrations and use cases, once the UI is complete and potential strategic partnerships have been thoroughly examined.

The deployment of the Nodle bridge does not signify a change in networks. ZKsync remains the primary minter and operational layer for the NODL token. Ethereum acts as an extension that increases flexibility and reach, not as a new base chain.

To ensure reliability, the bridge smart contracts were audited by Resonance Security in September 2025. The audit verified the safety of the mint/burn mechanisms, ownership controls and cross-chain verification logic - ensuring the bridge meets modern security and protocol integrity standards.

The integration with Ethereum unlocks new future potential for the NODL asset:

• DeFi Access: Inclusion in liquidity pools, yield platforms, and staking protocols across Ethereum’s ecosystem.

• Exchange Listings: Easier compatibility with decentralized and centralized exchanges using ERC-20 standards.

• Cross-Ecosystem Interoperability: Direct access to Ethereum-aligned dApps, bridges, and Web3 infrastructure.

• Institutional Reach: A smoother path for custody, treasury, and payment integrations across multiple chains.

These capabilities collectively enhance the token’s presence and utility across networks, strengthening Nodle’s position as a truly interoperable project.

As announced by Micha Benoliel, Nodle’s CEO, on X, the first official NODL mint on Ethereum L1 marks the live activation of the bridge and confirms that all systems are operational. The event demonstrates Nodle’s commitment to evolving from a single-network token into a multi-chain digital asset that thrives in both ZKsync and Ethereum environments.

By bridging ZKsync and Ethereum, Nodle reinforces its mission to connect the physical and digital worlds through a decentralized trust network — now extended into the broader DeFi landscape. With this step, the NODL token gains more flexibility, visibility and global utility positioning it to grow alongside the rapidly expanding ZK Stack ecosystem and the Ethereum network.

This is more than just a bridge.It’s the next connection in Nodle’s journey toward an open, interoperable and connected Web3 future.