Why Zeko?
Zeko is a next-generation zero-knowledge (ZK) infrastructure designed to power scalable, private, and interoperable blockchain applications. Built from the ground up as Layer 2 on top of the Mina Protocol, Zeko combines the privacy-preserving capabilities of zk-SNARKs with a modular and developer-friendly design.
Key Benefits
Zeko is Zero-Knowledge Native, meaning its architecture is inherently private by design. Leveraging zk-SNARKs and o1js, it allows developers to build applications with encrypted logic and data confidentiality. This supports confidential computation, like private smart contract execution and compliance reporting.
In terms of Scalability and Performance, Zeko offloads computation off-chain, significantly reducing costs and latency. Its recursive proof system and modular zkAppChains architecture support both general-purpose and app-specific rollups, enabling high throughput without sacrificing privacy or decentralization.
Zeko’s Cross-Chain Interoperability is a defining feature. Designed with cross-chain compatibility from the outset, Zeko proofs can be verified on other major ecosystems such as the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing developers to extend zero-knowledge functionality beyond the limitations of single-chain solutions.
By inheriting Mina’s succinct, decentralized architecture, Zeko also benefits from a lightweight and energy-efficient infrastructure, making it ideal for sustainable scaling.
Zeko further distinguishes itself with a Developer-Friendly Stack. With o1js, developers can use Typescript to develop smart-contracts and enjoy a low learning curve, supported by prebuilt SDKs, templates, and customizable ZKPs. This streamlines development for a wide range of use cases, including AI, DeFi, NFTs, identity, and gaming.
Core Use Cases & Applications
In Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Zeko enables private credit systems that verify borrower credentials without revealing sensitive financial data. It powers fast, cost-efficient, and confidential global payments via zkRollups and supports scalable, private tokenized RWAs. It also allows institutions to submit regulatory compliance proofs without disclosing user data.
For AI and Verifiable Computation, Zeko provides mechanisms for verifiable model execution without exposing internal logic. It facilitates federated learning with built-in privacy for training models, and enables secure querying of private knowledge bases by AI agents. Zeko also enables Decentralized AI agents, who can execute off-chain logic with cryptographic proof of correctness.
In Gaming and NFTs, Zeko’s zkRollups infrastructure supports scalable, low-latency gameplay and private in-game transactions, while zkProofs enable fair play verification.
For Identity and Governance, Zeko enables ZK-based identity verification, such as proving age or citizenship without revealing personally identifiable information. Governance is handled via the upcoming $ZEKO token, which supports protocol upgrades, sequencer elections, and gas configuration.
Finally, Zeko’s support for both zkApp Chains and modular infrastructure means developers can build custom L2s and L3s optimized for specific application needs—balancing privacy, scalability, and user experience.