[1IP-64] zkDA rollup with sharded storage for decentralized Web3 infrastructure

Simple Summary

• Enhances 1inch's censorship resistance and frontend availability through advanced decentralized storage

• Introduces cutting-edge zkDA rollup technology, providing a scalable common good for the entire DeFi ecosystem

• Total grant funding requested: 80,000 USD

  If this proposal passes, 80000 USDC will be transferred to the Operations Multi-Sig (0x45e84e10e8E85c583C002A40007D10629EF80fAF), and subsequently paid out to 0xD0dce95466eFB244cb7fE0111C1e81d841516165 after deliverables have been submitted according to the following milestones:

• Milestone 1: Sharded Storage and Data Availability Nodes - 20000 USDC

• Milestone 2: Data Management Layer - 20000 USDC

• Milestone 3: Advanced Proof Integration - 20000 USDC

• Milestone 4: API Development and Finalization - 20000 USDC

Abstract

This proposal outlines the development of a zkDA rollup with sharded storage for decentralized Web3 infrastructure. The project, supported by the Ethereum Foundation's Ecosystem Support Program, addresses key challenges in the transition from Web2 to Web3, focusing on decentralized storage and data availability. The proposed architecture uses zero-knowledge proofs for data availability and sharded storage, forming the basis for both recursive rollups and general-purpose data storage. This technology can significantly enhance the robustness and censorship resistance of decentralized applications, including platforms like 1inch.

Motivation

The project aims to solve several key problems in the Web3 ecosystem:

1. Decentralized storage for DApps: Implementing a censorship-resistant system for storing and serving decentralized application frontends.

2. Universal data availability: Developing an efficient mechanism for storing and retrieving any type of data, crucial for the decentralized web.

3. Scalability through recursive rollups: Creating a system that allows rollups to be deployed on top of other rollups, significantly enhancing scalability for the Ethereum ecosystem.

These solutions will strengthen the 1inch network by improving the censorship resistance and availability of the 1inch frontend, providing a robust solution for storing critical data like exchange orders, and laying the groundwork for future scalability and advanced decentralized applications.

Specification

The project will be completed in 6 months, divided into 4 milestones:

1. Milestone 1 (1.5 months): Sharded Storage and Data Availability Nodes

• Design and build the node engine for sharded storage

• Implement mechanisms for providing zero-knowledge proofs of data availability and storage

• Develop and test with a mock centralized contract

• Provide comprehensive documentation and performance benchmarks

2. Milestone 2 (1.5 months): Data Management Layer

• Design and implement a data management layer with a minimal zero-knowledge smart contract

• Integrate this layer with the sharded storage nodes

• Develop methods for extending the minimal zk smart contract to more complex use cases

• Conduct thorough testing and provide updated documentation

3. Milestone 3 (1.5 months): Advanced Proof Integration

• Upgrade the system to combine proofs of state transition with proofs of data availability and storage

• Implement the capability to stack data availability layers

• Conduct extensive testing of the integrated proof system

• Provide detailed documentation and performance benchmarks

4. Milestone 4 (1.5 months): API Development and Finalization

• Develop an API for developers to interact with the data availability and storage system

• Implement features for efficient storing and retrieving of various types of data

• Conduct comprehensive testing with various DeFi use cases

• Finalize documentation and developer guides

Rationale

Our project stands out due to its fully zk-native approach, leveraging zero-knowledge proofs throughout the entire system. It's supported by the Ethereum Foundation's Ecosystem Support Program, validating its potential impact on the broader Ethereum ecosystem. The solution targets petabyte-scale storage with potential for exabyte capacity, suitable for Web3 scale applications. By combining rollup technology with sharded storage and zero-knowledge proofs, we create a versatile solution applicable to both scalability and general data storage needs.

Considerations

Security implications:

• The project leverages zero-knowledge proofs for enhanced security throughout the system.

• Extensive testing will be conducted at each milestone to ensure the security and reliability of the solution.

Governance implications:

• The project requires a total grant funding of 80,000 USD, to be paid in installments upon completion of each milestone.

• The project is supported by the broader Ethereum ecosystem, demonstrating its potential impact and alignment with ecosystem goals.

• Long-term development and sustainability will be pursued through potential future collaborations within the blockchain industry and broader Web3 ecosystem.

• The technology developed in this project has wide-ranging applications across various blockchain platforms and Web3 projects, offering numerous opportunities for collaboration and improvement of the overall Web3 infrastructure.

Team qualifications:

The project will be executed by the ZeroPool team, consisting of:

• Igor Gulamov: ZK researcher, blockchain developer

• Alexandra Gulamova: Strategy, marketing

• Ivan Oleynikov: Cryptographer

• Dmitry Vdovin: ZK engineer, blockchain developer

• Evgenii Filippov: DevOps

• Anton Pegov: Frontend developer

The team has a strong background in blockchain research and development, with a focus on zero-knowledge proofs and scalability solutions.