Zircuit is an AI-enabled, zero-knowledge (zk) rollup platform designed to enhance the Ethereum ecosystem by offering secure, efficient, and scalable solutions for decentralized finance (DeFi) and staking applications. By integrating advanced research in Layer 2 (L2) technologies, Zircuit aims to provide developers and users with a robust environment for building and interacting with decentralized applications (dApps).

Ecosystem

Zircuit boasts a robust ecosystem with a diverse range of projects spanning DeFi, social platforms, infrastructure tools, and wallets. Notable projects include Affine DeFi, Algebra, Ambient Finance, API3 DAO, and Binance Web3 Wallet, among others. This diverse ecosystem underscores Zircuit's commitment to fostering innovation and providing users with a comprehensive suite of decentralized applications.

Core Features

• AI-Enabled Security: Zircuit employs AI-driven security measures at the sequencer level, monitoring the mempool for malicious transactions and preventing their execution. This proactive approach safeguards users from smart contract vulnerabilities and on-chain scams.

• Hybrid Architecture: Combining Optimism's Bedrock rollup framework with zero-knowledge proofs, Zircuit offers a hybrid architecture that ensures full Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility. This design facilitates seamless deployment of Ethereum dApps without requiring new programming languages or frameworks.

• Secure Native Bridge: Zircuit's native bridge infrastructure incorporates best-in-class security architecture and safety practices, providing a straightforward and user-friendly experience while maximizing user security.

• Cutting-Edge Performance: By decomposing circuits into specialized parts and aggregating proofs, Zircuit achieves greater efficiency and lower operating costs. Combined with larger transaction batches and accelerated proof processing, users benefit from faster and cheaper transactions.

Token Utility

• Governance: ZRC holders can participate in protocol governance, influencing decisions on upgrades, liquidity incentives, and ecosystem development.

• Staking and Rewards: Users can stake their assets through Zircuit's Liquidity Hub to earn rewards and participate in project airdrops. As of November 2024, the platform has over $1.8 billion in total ETH staked.

• Gas Rebates: Zircuit offers a Gas Rebates program that rewards developers and users based on the gas they spend on the network. For every ETH spent, users earn 125% in ZRC tokens, incentivizing active participation within the ecosystem.

ZRC Total Supply and Token Allocation 

Zircuit's native token, ZRC, has a total supply of 10 billion tokens, allocated as follows:

• Season 1 Airdrop: 7% (700 million ZRC)

• Future Airdrops & Community Rewards: 14% (1.4 billion ZRC)

• Community Provisions: 12.61% (1.261 billion ZRC)

• Ecosystem Development: 17.93% (1.793 billion ZRC)

• Foundation: 18.7% (1.87 billion ZRC)

• Team: 18.74% (1.874 billion ZRC)

• Investors: 11.02% (1.102 billion ZRC)

Zircuit's Fairdrop initiative rewards early supporters and participants within its ecosystem. Here's how to get involved:

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Fairdrop, participants must have held or staked EIGEN tokens as of the snapshot taken on October 8, 2024, at 9:35:47 AM UTC. Notably, wallets associated with venture capital firms and the EigenLayer team are excluded from this Fairdrop.

How to Participate

1. Visit the Fairdrop Portal: Navigate to the official Fairdrop page.

2. Connect Your Wallet: Use a compatible Web3 wallet (e.g., MetaMask) to connect to the portal.

3. Verify Eligibility: The platform will automatically check if your wallet meets the eligibility criteria based on the snapshot.

4. Claim Your Tokens: If eligible, follow the on-screen instructions to claim your allocated ZRC tokens.

Key Things to Know About the Zircuit Fairdrop 

• Claim Period: The Fairdrop claim window is open for six months from the launch date. Unclaimed tokens after this period will revert to the treasury.

• Vesting Schedule: For participants holding more than 208,997 White Pearls, a vesting schedule applies to ensure responsible distribution and mitigate market risks.

• Exchange Holders: Zircuit is also airdropping ZRC to EIGEN holders on exchanges. Details regarding this distribution will be announced soon.

Zircuit's development has progressed through several key phases:

1. Research and Development Phase (January 2023 – June 2024)

• Research Initiatives: Over this period, the Zircuit team authored and presented 12 papers on topics such as rollups, bridge hacks, and scaling methods. This extensive research secured multiple Ethereum Foundation grants, underscoring Zircuit's commitment to pioneering Layer 2 (L2) technologies.

• Key Milestone: Completion of the KZG Ceremony on June 22, 2024, to enhance zero-knowledge proof security for Zircuit’s zk-rollup infrastructure.

2. Private Testnet (July 2024 – September 2024)

• Mainnet Funding Round: In July 2024, Zircuit completed a major funding round with investors such as Binance Labs and Amber Group, securing resources for mainnet development.

• Events: Zircuit joined EthCC and ETHGlobal in Brussels in July 2024, connecting with developers and fostering ecosystem growth.

3. Public Testnet (November 2023 – November 2024)

• Initial Launch at Devconnect: Zircuit launched its testnet in November 2023, showcasing its EVM-compatible zk-rollup capabilities.

• Further Community Engagement: In October 2024, Zircuit highlighted its participation in TOKEN2049 with events like the ZirCat Lounge, enhancing community presence and engagement.

4. Mainnet Launch (August-December 2024)

• Phase 1 Launch: Zircuit Mainnet Phase 1 went live on August 5, 2024, marking a major step in deploying Zircuit’s secure platform for dApps.

• Guarded Launch Scheduled: December 2024 is set for a full mainnet launch, following stability and optimization efforts.

5. Zircuit Fairdrop (October 2024)

A Fairdrop began for EigenLayer stakers and supporters of Ethereum's restaking vision, offering an inclusive airdrop based on a snapshot taken on October 8, 2024.

Zircuit stands out for its unique integration of AI-enabled security, hybrid architecture, and comprehensive ecosystem support. With the launch of its native ZRC token and ongoing ecosystem developments, Zircuit is well-positioned to become a key player in Ethereum scaling solutions and decentralized applications.

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