# Zero-Knowledge Proof: A Crucial Pillar for Next-Generation Internet and Privacy Protection

Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZK) is emerging as more than just a branch of blockchain technology. It’s becoming a fundamental technology for the next-generation internet and privacy protection. Shiv Shankar, a key figure in this domain, was the CTO behind the creation of RiskZero’s ZKVM and is now the CEO of Boundless. In an interview with Block Media, Shankar shared insights into ZKVM, Boundless, and strategies for the Asian and Korean markets.

# Introduction to Shiv Shankar

“My name is Shiv. I am the CEO of Boundless, and I previously served as the CTO at RiskZero. Before that, I worked on Avalanche at Ava Labs and handled projects like country launches and QR code ads at Coinbase. I’ve also been at companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Lyft, and Grab. While my primary focus is database systems, I am now involved in designing markets for digital and physical goods.”

# The Unique Features of Risk Zero’s ZK

“ZK stands for ‘verifiable computation,’ which allows someone to prove that a specific computation was performed without revealing its details. Although researched for decades, it was not easily usable. Previously, programs had to be written in circuit forms, like AND and OR gates, which made it laborious.

Blockchain’s interest in ZK started about eight to nine years ago due to its succinctness, which keeps proof sizes small regardless of the computation size—an important feature given the expensive storage and gas fees on blockchains. However, writing circuits was a barrier for ordinary developers. To solve this, our team developed ZKVM, which converts conventional programs, such as those written in Rust, into circuits automatically. This innovation allowed developers to utilize ZK without needing to write circuits directly. Essentially, anyone can write a Rust program, generate a custom circuit based on it, and create a receipt for its execution.”

# Real-Time Proof Achievements with ZKVM 2.0

“We have already achieved real-time proofing, reducing block proof time to under 12 seconds. We are designing clusters that can operate real-time proof systems for hardware costing around $100,000 to $150,000. Our system has undergone extensive auditing and is nearing completion in formal verification.

The core aspects of the ZK ecosystem are performance, cost, usability, and security, and we are making significant progress in all these areas. Off-chain computations are already cheaper than on-chain ones, and security, while continuously improving, is not fully mature. Boundless addresses both proof costs and user experience, driving faster adoption.”

# The Future Standard: Proof of Verifiable Work (POVW)

“I am fully confident that all blockchains will adopt ZK. However, POVW is specifically tailored for the Boundless protocol. It provides an efficient market mechanism for those contributing computational resources to the network. While our custom primitive may not be universally adopted, the concept of ‘verifiable work’ will likely spread.”

# The Proof Generation Process in ZKVM

“When a user submits a program and input values to ZKVM, they are compiled into a custom circuit internally. The circuit runs and generates proof known as a receipt, which can be verified on-chain. This enables fast off-chain execution while ensuring secure on-chain verification.”

# The Necessity of Boundless

“Despite distributing ZKVM to many teams, most said they couldn’t operate the VM due to high costs and complexity. Although we offered Bonsai, a cloud-based ZK service on AWS, partners rejected it citing centralization concerns. This led us to develop a decentralized protocol, Boundless. Unlike an L1 or L2, Boundless is a set of smart contracts deployed across various chains. Users can pay with native tokens of each chain to obtain proofs, achieving both decentralization and accessibility.”

# Distinctions Among ZKVM, Bento, and Boundless

“For those wishing to be provers, several tools are essential. Bento helps manage clusters and is internally optimized for our server management. ZKVM is the computational software installed on machines, while Boundless connects these clusters through a protocol that aggregates proof requests from various chains, allowing provers to bid and process them.”

# Practical Applications of ZKVM and Boundless

“For instance, Cash Flow uses ZKVM to verify transaction state transitions, ensuring deposited funds are not withdrawn arbitrarily. This addresses issues like those seen in the FTX debacle. In the AI realm, ZK can verify that subscribers receive the latest model versions. ZKVM can ensure LLM version and execution verification, and it’s also suitable for airdrops, KYC, and ID verification, which are critical in an era emphasizing privacy protection.”

# Embracing the Korean Market

“Asia represents half of the world’s population, and Korea is the gateway to Asia. Korea has a rapid adoption rate for technology, a robust crypto community, and a strong developer pool. Feedback is crucial. From my experience with Grab in Southeast Asia, each country and city presents unique challenges that require local understanding. I have visited Korea 22 times in the past two months to gather feedback and develop a tailored strategy to expand across Asia.”

# Future Plans and Mainnet Launch

“We aim to launch the mainnet as quickly as possible. The development is nearly complete, followed by testing and partner alignment. Intermediate launches will precede the mainnet, and we will reveal a long-term roadmap. Boundless is focused on building infrastructure that will last for decades, prioritizing accuracy and security over speed.”

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These insights from Shiv Shankar underscore the growing importance of Zero-Knowledge Proof in both blockchain and broader technological landscapes, highlighting the advances in ZKVM and Boundless as pivotal developments in the industry’s future.