When Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology first emerged, many believed it would revolutionize the blockchain industry.

A prime example is zkSync, which received $458 million in funding for its ZK Rollup technology—bundling and validating thousands of L2 transactions into a single proof submitted to Ethereum (L1).

However, despite the hype, public interest in ZK technology remained low. Numerous fast-performing L2s launched without relying on ZK Rollups, and the $ZK token has steadily declined in value post-TGE, with its market cap now lower than zkSync’s total funding.

This shows that simply building a mainnet with ZK tech is no longer enough to earn a high valuation or attract strong market support.

RISC Zero reflects this shift by focusing not on launching its own chain, but on building infrastructure that enhances and secures existing blockchains using ZK technology.

So today, we’ll cover what RISC Zero is, why Boundless matters, and how you can earn its $ZKC token.

1. What are RISC Zero and Boundless?

2. Boundless Mainnet Beta Launch

3. Prover Incentives

4. Reward Tiers

a) RISC Zero

RISC Zero builds infrastructure that enables developers to harness ZK technology with familiar tools.

Its zkVM runs on a RISC-V virtual machine and supports languages like Rust and C/C++, allowing developers to build Zero-Knowledge apps without complex circuit design or advanced math.

This dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for average developers.

RISC Zero has raised $52M from top VCs like Blockchain Capital, Delphi Ventures, Galaxy, and Bain Capital Crypto.

With this funding, it released the high-performance zkVM ROVM 2.0—capable of Ethereum block proving in under 12 seconds using $120K worth of GPUs—and launched the general-purpose ZK protocol Boundless to extend blockchain security via ZK proofs.

b) Boundless

Traditional blockchain nodes validate by re-executing all computations, which ensures security but becomes increasingly inefficient as node count and data grow.

Boundless solves this by separating execution from verification. Computations are done off-chain by Provers, and only the resulting ZK proof is verified on-chain. This preserves security while dramatically improving scalability.

Boundless doesn’t require its own chain—it integrates directly with existing L1s and L2s through smart contracts. This eliminates dependency on separate validator sets or bridges, reducing complexity.

In short, Boundless enables blockchains to securely offload complex computations, removing on-chain bottlenecks and unlocking scalability across ecosystems.

Boundless launched the Signal, an open-source ZK consensus client that compresses Ethereum’s scalability into a single proof, alongside its mainnet beta.

This enables any chain to verify ZK proofs and solve scalability and interoperability challenges.

1. How it works:
   Each time the Ethereum beacon chain finalizes, the Boundless protocol generates and compresses a small, succinct ZK proof of that event. This proof can then be broadcast to any chain, continuously delivering Ethereum’s finalized state wherever it’s needed.

2. What this enables:
   Because any contract (or chain) can verify this proof, the entire ecosystem can interact with Ethereum without relying on multisigs or oracles. All relevant information about the chain is delivered through a single lightweight proof.

3. Why it matters:
   Ethereum’s state becomes readable from anywhere in the world. Liquidity and logic can move freely between chains—just like APIs in web services—paving the way for a new class of applications with internet-level UX and blockchain-grade security.

Instead of requiring every node to re-execute computations, Boundless offers a network of compute-only nodes that generate ZK proofs verifying the correctness of execution. These proofs can be produced at predictable and low cost across all chains.

Boundless skipped a public testnet, believing that real value must be at stake to test incentive systems properly. Instead, it launched directly to mainnet, proving real-world value through live usage.

Boundless introduces a Proof of Verifiable Work (PoVW) model—rewarding Provers with $ZKC tokens based on meaningful computation. Each epoch’s token allocation is distributed based on each Prover’s contribution, turning proving into a form of mining.

Currently, there are two main ways to earn $ZKC:

• Contributing Proofs via Prover

Anyone can run a Boundless Prover node, connect up to 100 GPUs, and generate proofs for The Signal. There’s no gatekeeping on who can participate.

The beta mainnet is live on Base, where Provers compete to earn 0.5% of the total $ZKC supply (5M tokens). All you need is ETH, USDC, and RPC access (or a self-hosted node) on Base.

• KAITO

Boundless has allocated 0.25% of the $ZKC supply to the Kaito Yapping campaign (by InfoFi).
Details on whether rewards will be based on 7D, 30D, 3M, 6M, or 12M leaderboard periods, and how many top users will earn rewards, have not yet been disclosed.

Together, the 0.75% allocated to Provers and Kaito is expected to represent a significant portion of the initial circulating supply.

According to the roadmap, the Boundless launch sequence is: Boundless Manifesto → Mainnet BETA → Community Token Sale → Mainnet Launch

As part of the rollout, users can level up their Reward Tier through optional missions, receiving bonus tokens during the Community Token Sale.

• Bronze: 10% token bonus + whitelist spot

• Silver: 15% bonus + additional undisclosed rewards

• Gold: 30% bonus + additional undisclosed rewards

• Diamond: 50% bonus + additional undisclosed rewards

Most of the missions involve running Prove or minting Proof Bundles on Boundless Boost for 0.002 ETH. If you're actively engaging with Prove, leveling up your tier is relatively easy.

Based on the current roadmap, the Community Token Sale is scheduled to take place after the Mainnet BETA.

As of now, detailed information about the $ZKS token sale (e.g., valuation, vesting schedule, etc.) has not yet been revealed. If you plan to participate in the token sale later, it will be essential to review these terms carefully once they become available.

However, keep in mind that Reward Tier upgrades are time-limited—so it’s best to complete the missions early to secure a higher tier, then decide on your participation once more details are released.

On the BASE chain, the Prove mining campaign “The Signal”—which has been running for five weeks—is scheduled to end on August 12. There had been rumors of an extension, but it seems they decided to speed things up, perhaps feeling the pressure after competing project Succinct launched its token TGE.

Once The Signal ends on August 12, a $ZKS token community sale will be held based on the reward tiers earned through participants’ activities. This will likely be followed by the mainnet launch and TGE happening simultaneously.

Since Boundless is building essential infrastructure for the blockchain ecosystem based on ZK proofs, it’s definitely a project worth keeping an eye on.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any assets. Cryptocurrency and digital asset investments carry significant risk. Please do your own research and make informed decisions.

When Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology first emerged, many believed it would revolutionize the blockchain industry.

A prime example is zkSync, which received $458 million in funding for its ZK Rollup technology—bundling and validating thousands of L2 transactions into a single proof submitted to Ethereum (L1).

However, despite the hype, public interest in ZK technology remained low. Numerous fast-performing L2s launched without relying on ZK Rollups, and the $ZK token has steadily declined in value post-TGE, with its market cap now lower than zkSync’s total funding.

This shows that simply building a mainnet with ZK tech is no longer enough to earn a high valuation or attract strong market support.

RISC Zero reflects this shift by focusing not on launching its own chain, but on building infrastructure that enhances and secures existing blockchains using ZK technology.

So today, we’ll cover what RISC Zero is, why Boundless matters, and how you can earn its $ZKC token.

1. What are RISC Zero and Boundless?

2. Boundless Mainnet Beta Launch

3. Prover Incentives

4. Reward Tiers

a) RISC Zero

RISC Zero builds infrastructure that enables developers to harness ZK technology with familiar tools.

Its zkVM runs on a RISC-V virtual machine and supports languages like Rust and C/C++, allowing developers to build Zero-Knowledge apps without complex circuit design or advanced math.

This dramatically lowers the barrier to entry for average developers.

RISC Zero has raised $52M from top VCs like Blockchain Capital, Delphi Ventures, Galaxy, and Bain Capital Crypto.

With this funding, it released the high-performance zkVM ROVM 2.0—capable of Ethereum block proving in under 12 seconds using $120K worth of GPUs—and launched the general-purpose ZK protocol Boundless to extend blockchain security via ZK proofs.

b) Boundless

Traditional blockchain nodes validate by re-executing all computations, which ensures security but becomes increasingly inefficient as node count and data grow.

Boundless solves this by separating execution from verification. Computations are done off-chain by Provers, and only the resulting ZK proof is verified on-chain. This preserves security while dramatically improving scalability.

Boundless doesn’t require its own chain—it integrates directly with existing L1s and L2s through smart contracts. This eliminates dependency on separate validator sets or bridges, reducing complexity.

In short, Boundless enables blockchains to securely offload complex computations, removing on-chain bottlenecks and unlocking scalability across ecosystems.

Boundless launched the Signal, an open-source ZK consensus client that compresses Ethereum’s scalability into a single proof, alongside its mainnet beta.

This enables any chain to verify ZK proofs and solve scalability and interoperability challenges.

1. How it works:
   Each time the Ethereum beacon chain finalizes, the Boundless protocol generates and compresses a small, succinct ZK proof of that event. This proof can then be broadcast to any chain, continuously delivering Ethereum’s finalized state wherever it’s needed.

2. What this enables:
   Because any contract (or chain) can verify this proof, the entire ecosystem can interact with Ethereum without relying on multisigs or oracles. All relevant information about the chain is delivered through a single lightweight proof.

3. Why it matters:
   Ethereum’s state becomes readable from anywhere in the world. Liquidity and logic can move freely between chains—just like APIs in web services—paving the way for a new class of applications with internet-level UX and blockchain-grade security.

Instead of requiring every node to re-execute computations, Boundless offers a network of compute-only nodes that generate ZK proofs verifying the correctness of execution. These proofs can be produced at predictable and low cost across all chains.

Boundless skipped a public testnet, believing that real value must be at stake to test incentive systems properly. Instead, it launched directly to mainnet, proving real-world value through live usage.

Boundless introduces a Proof of Verifiable Work (PoVW) model—rewarding Provers with $ZKC tokens based on meaningful computation. Each epoch’s token allocation is distributed based on each Prover’s contribution, turning proving into a form of mining.

Currently, there are two main ways to earn $ZKC:

• Contributing Proofs via Prover

Anyone can run a Boundless Prover node, connect up to 100 GPUs, and generate proofs for The Signal. There’s no gatekeeping on who can participate.

The beta mainnet is live on Base, where Provers compete to earn 0.5% of the total $ZKC supply (5M tokens). All you need is ETH, USDC, and RPC access (or a self-hosted node) on Base.

• KAITO

Boundless has allocated 0.25% of the $ZKC supply to the Kaito Yapping campaign (by InfoFi).
Details on whether rewards will be based on 7D, 30D, 3M, 6M, or 12M leaderboard periods, and how many top users will earn rewards, have not yet been disclosed.

Together, the 0.75% allocated to Provers and Kaito is expected to represent a significant portion of the initial circulating supply.

According to the roadmap, the Boundless launch sequence is: Boundless Manifesto → Mainnet BETA → Community Token Sale → Mainnet Launch

As part of the rollout, users can level up their Reward Tier through optional missions, receiving bonus tokens during the Community Token Sale.

• Bronze: 10% token bonus + whitelist spot

• Silver: 15% bonus + additional undisclosed rewards

• Gold: 30% bonus + additional undisclosed rewards

• Diamond: 50% bonus + additional undisclosed rewards

Most of the missions involve running Prove or minting Proof Bundles on Boundless Boost for 0.002 ETH. If you're actively engaging with Prove, leveling up your tier is relatively easy.

Based on the current roadmap, the Community Token Sale is scheduled to take place after the Mainnet BETA.

As of now, detailed information about the $ZKS token sale (e.g., valuation, vesting schedule, etc.) has not yet been revealed. If you plan to participate in the token sale later, it will be essential to review these terms carefully once they become available.

However, keep in mind that Reward Tier upgrades are time-limited—so it’s best to complete the missions early to secure a higher tier, then decide on your participation once more details are released.

On the BASE chain, the Prove mining campaign “The Signal”—which has been running for five weeks—is scheduled to end on August 12. There had been rumors of an extension, but it seems they decided to speed things up, perhaps feeling the pressure after competing project Succinct launched its token TGE.

Once The Signal ends on August 12, a $ZKS token community sale will be held based on the reward tiers earned through participants’ activities. This will likely be followed by the mainnet launch and TGE happening simultaneously.

Since Boundless is building essential infrastructure for the blockchain ecosystem based on ZK proofs, it’s definitely a project worth keeping an eye on.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any assets. Cryptocurrency and digital asset investments carry significant risk. Please do your own research and make informed decisions.