Polygon zkEVM is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution built as a zero-knowledge rollup that is bytecode-equivalent with the Ethereum Virtual Machine. It batches transactions off-chain and posts validity proofs to Ethereum, inheriting Layer 1 security while reducing gas fees and increasing throughput. Developers can deploy existing EVM smart contracts with minimal changes.
Overview
- Polygon zkEVM executes batches of transactions off-chain and generates a succinct validity proof verified by an on-chain contract.
- It aims for bytecode-level equivalence with the EVM, so Solidity contracts and existing tooling work without modification.
- The zero-knowledge approach finalises state without the multi-day challenge window required by optimistic rollups.
- Security is inherited from Ethereum: a single valid proof attests that the entire batch followed protocol rules.
Mechanisms
- Transaction sequencing and batching by a sequencer node.
- Proof generation by a prover that produces a SNARK/STARK over the batch trace.
- On-chain verifier contract that validates the proof and updates rollup state.
- Data availability posting so users can reconstruct state and exit independently.
- EVM-equivalence layer translating opcodes into provable arithmetic circuits.
Applications
- Low-cost decentralised finance trading and lending on Ethereum-compatible rails.
- High-throughput NFT minting and gaming transactions.
- Enterprise settlement requiring cryptographic finality.
- Migration of existing EVM dApps seeking lower gas fees without rewriting code.