The Ethereum Foundation has outlined concrete plans to integrate zero-knowledge (ZK) proof technology directly into Ethereum's base-layer protocol, marking a significant shift from theoretical research to active development. Co-executive director Hsiao-Wei Wang stated in an interview with CoinDesk that ZK systems are now a midterm goal on Ethereum's roadmap, driven by major technical advances over the past one to two years.
Short-term network upgrades continue to focus on execution improvements and expanding blob space for Layer-2 networks. However, the long-term vision involves embedding ZK cryptography into Ethereum's core infrastructure. This would enable the network to verify blocks using compact cryptographic proofs instead of requiring every node to repeat full computations, fundamentally changing Ethereum's security and verification model.
Ethereum researchers have already published plans for a native zkEVM (zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine) at Layer 1. The development approach will be gradual, starting with base-layer integration and eventually expanding ZK tools across multiple network functions. According to documentation, this includes consensus-layer signature aggregation and on-chain privacy supported by client-side proving.
Wang emphasized that despite these technical shifts, Ethereum's core principles remain unchanged: security, censorship resistance, neutrality, and long-term resilience continue to guide the network's evolution. The integration of ZK technology aims to address Ethereum's scaling challenges while maintaining these fundamental values.
Ethereum began adopting ZK technology around 2021 with the rise of zk-rollups, which have become one of the network's primary scaling tools. However, these currently function as separate layers rather than being integrated into Ethereum's core protocol.
