Misha Komarov: =nil; Foundation – The Marketplace for ZK Proof Generation

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Zero knowledge proof systems have found tremendous cryptographic utility in scaling blockchains, due to their ability to prove computational integrity, succinctly. However, despite recent advancements in ZKP R&D, their construction still requires special prover circuits. Their complexity is what gatekeeps zero knowledge technology to a select few astute teams. =nil; Foundation aims to challenge this status quo by providing an alternative through their zkLLVM circuit compiler and zk proof marketplace. By commoditising the production of custom proofs, =nil; Foundation unlocks an entire new range of applications employing zero knowledge technology.

We were joined by Misha Komarov, co-founder of =nil; Foundation, to discuss the use cases and challenges of building the first marketplace for (outsourced) zero knowledge proofs.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The vision behind =nil; Foundation
• Use cases for zk tech
• zkLLVM circuit compiler
• Homomorphic encryption, ZKPs & privacy solutions
• ZKP marketplace
• Why proof markets (currently) run on DBMS
• Marketplace actors
• Proof generators vs. PoW miners
• Infrastructure challenges
• Future roadmap

Episode links:

• Mikhail Komarov on Twitter
• =nil; Foundation on Twitter

This episode is hosted by Brian Fabian Crain. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/514