ZKM and GOAT Network Jointly Launch zkMIPS 1.0 Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine

zkMIPS 1.0’s Performance Breakthrough and Integration with the Bitcoin Ecosystem

In July 2024, ZKM, a team focused on zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) technology, announced the incubation of GOAT Network, a Bitcoin Layer 2 network. Its core goal is to address the long-standing issues of poor scalability and lack of yield scenarios in the Bitcoin ecosystem. After nearly a year of technical iteration, ZKM and GOAT Network officially launched zkMIPS 1.0 on May 7, 2025—the first scalable zero-knowledge virtual machine (zkVM) based on the MIPS architecture. This version not only improves zero-knowledge proof generation efficiency by 19x over previous iterations, but also marks the first time that the Bitcoin ecosystem has Layer 2 infrastructure supporting smart contracts, EVM compatibility, and decentralized verification.

Technically, zkMIPS 1.0’s breakthrough stems from three innovations:

1. Instruction Set Optimization: Using the MIPS32r2 architecture, compared to the mainstream RISC-V, it generates shorter compiled program instructions, reducing zero-knowledge proof circuit constraints by about 35%, significantly lowering computational complexity.

2. Hardware Acceleration Compatibility: Supports GPU parallel computing and custom ZK chip design, reducing the cost of a single transaction proof to $0.02, enabling high-frequency on-chain interactions.

3. Modular Development Tools: Provides a Rust SDK, local prover integration, and precompiled modules (e.g., Keccak hash functions), enabling developers to quickly build privacy-preserving DApps.

Currently, zkMIPS 1.0 is being used as the core execution layer of the GOAT Network. The network interacts with the Bitcoin mainnet through a BitVM2 cross-chain bridge and introduces a decentralized sequencer model that allows node operators to stake BTC for rewards. According to official disclosures, five institutions have pledged a total of 5,000 BTC (approximately $287 million) for network validation, opening up a new passive income scenario for Bitcoin holders.

Why MIPS Architecture is the New Choice for Zero-Knowledge Proofs

In the zkVM field, the RISC-V architecture has long been dominant, with projects such as RISC0 and SP1 built upon it. However, ZKM’s decision to adopt the MIPS architecture reflects a deep trade-off between performance and development efficiency. The MIPS instruction set features fixed-length encoding and a streamlined pipeline design, which results in about 20% fewer instructions than RISC-V after compilation. In zero-knowledge proof scenarios, fewer instructions mean simpler circuit constraints, which in turn reduces proof generation time and hardware resource consumption.

In actual test data, zkMIPS 1.0 completed proof generation for the SHA3-chain test in just 68 seconds, compared to 1,358 seconds in version 0.3.0—a performance improvement of 18.8x. This efficiency is approaching that of traditional non-ZK chains, enabling Bitcoin Layer 2 to support complex smart contract logic. For developers exploring the Bitcoin ecosystem, platforms like JuCoin offer multi-chain wallet services to conveniently manage BTC and Layer 2 assets, lowering the barrier to user participation.

GOAT Network: Redefining Bitcoin Layer 2 with a Sustainable Yield Model

As the first application of zkMIPS 1.0, GOAT Network proposes an innovative Bitcoin yield framework. Its core mechanism tightly binds node operation rewards to BTC staking depth:

• Decentralized Sequencer: Any user can stake BTC to become a network validator and share transaction fee rewards proportionally.
• Dual Security Verification: Combines Bitcoin script’s native timelock functionality with ZKP verification to automatically trigger staking slashing when malicious nodes attempt to tamper with transactions.
• EVM Compatibility: Developers can seamlessly migrate Ethereum-based DeFi protocols, e.g., bringing ETH assets into GOAT Network for liquidity mining via cross-chain bridges.

This design not only solves the issue of no native yield in the Bitcoin network but also leverages ZKP technology to achieve privacy protection and high throughput. It is estimated that GOAT Network’s theoretical TPS can exceed 1,200, supporting complex derivatives trading and on-chain gaming applications.

Future Outlook: Real-Time Proofs and Cross-Chain Expansion

The ZKM team has clearly outlined the next milestone: to tackle real-time proof technology, aiming to reduce zero-knowledge proof generation time to milliseconds. If successful, Bitcoin Layer 2 will support high-frequency trading, real-time settlement, and other traditional finance-grade scenarios, further unlocking BTC’s liquidity value. Additionally, zkMIPS’s modular design allows it to adapt to cross-chain communication protocols from ecosystems like Cosmos and TON, enabling seamless multi-chain asset interaction.

From an industry perspective, the release of zkMIPS 1.0 may trigger a paradigm shift in zkVM architecture. The performance and cost advantages of MIPS could lead more projects to reevaluate the limitations of RISC-V. For ordinary users, the transformation of Bitcoin from “digital gold” to a “productive asset” means that earning yield through staking, liquidity provision, and similar mechanisms will become the norm.