Between Two Chains Ep 3: Future of Blockchain Interoperability with Zero Knowledge (Reka, RISC Zero)

Rekha from RISC Zero discusses zero knowledge (ZK) and its role in simplifying complex concepts like verifiable compute. She compares zero knowledge to berry picking, making it more relatable. The conversation emphasizes interoperability, which Rekha defines as the ability to interact with different chains seamlessly, reducing fragmentation and facilitating exchanges of verifiable compute. She believes that achieving interoperability will enhance computation, transforming work and coordination for human flourishing.

ZK is crucial for sharing information, execution, and asset transfer, addressing scaling, interoperability, and privacy. It allows off-chain execution, reducing gas costs and increasing transaction speed, although it is not a universal solution and excels mainly in scaling. Rekha highlights the need for efficient computation, comparing early space missions' computational power to modern devices, and stresses the importance of compressing knowledge rather than merely increasing block space.

Rekha introduces Boundless, a protocol utilizing RISC Zero's general-purpose ZK VM, which simplifies ZK implementation and reduces execution costs while maintaining security from chosen layer ones. The discussion emphasizes scaling and interoperability, with ZK technology enabling proofs across different chains, effectively removing boundaries. Looking ahead, Rekha aims to improve performance and reduce latency, with potential for enhanced privacy options in ZK implementations.

The conversation also explores user experiences with ZK capabilities, emphasizing the need for a seamless wallet experience that avoids manual chain switching. Speaker 1 highlights the importance of engaging narratives to connect users with infrastructure projects. Speaker 2 shares insights from building projects like Guild XYZ, discussing challenges related to user account connections and the balance between centralized and decentralized databases. They encourage infrastructure builders to engage with consumer applications to better understand user experiences.

The speakers address how users discover new applications, primarily through recommendations, and argue against the notion of a lack of apps in crypto. They discuss onboarding challenges for newcomers, including difficulties with wallets and seed phrases, and the overwhelming nature of getting money on-chain. Innovative projects like Peanut, which allows sending crypto via text messages, are mentioned, along with the potential advancements in ZK technology anticipated by 2025. The guest expresses enthusiasm for new applications and a desire to build a side project in the future.