Orbis Is The First ZK Based Scaling Solution For The Cardano Network

Layer 2 solution, Orbis is the first ZK rollup on the Cardano blockchain, with objective to support decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and a thriving blockchain ecosystem.

Orbis team wrote in their blog that the solution offers the level of scalability and transaction throughput relevant for blockchain to transform into a “global financial system.” Like other zk-based solutions, the transactions will occur off-chain on the Orbis layer 2, and will be then bundled together into a single ZK (zero-knowledge) proof and broadcasted on-chain to the Cardano layer 1 and verified.

The two main components of Orbis are the Prover and the Verifier.

The Prover’s off-chain system and its function is to build zkSNARK proofs verifying the transactions, and enable users to examine the state of the rollup and post-transaction.

The Verifier is an on-chain smart contract, with main purpose to settle transactions occurring on-rollup on Cardano.

According to the post:

“Orbis provides an off-chain context in which smart contract validator code can run. Instead of being run to create transactions on the Cardano layer 1, in this context a validator code is run to create transactions on the layer 2 rollup. Orbis will enable PlutusTx smart contracts to be easily ported over.”

Orbis will also support programming languages: Pluto and Plutarch.

Hydra is not the answer for all scaling problems

Cardano is often referred as an alternative to Ethereum. But, every blockchain requires a scaling solution, and according to the Orbis team, Hydra will not solve every scaling problem. Orbis team believes, however, that their proposed solution is the best available with the ability to maintain the core design principles of the Cardano blockchain while scaling the network so that it can safely host RealFi and DeFi apps extensively.

The protocol also facilitates the creation of layer 3 solutions leveraging Halo 2 recursive ZK proofs to explore use cases with regards to DeFi, NFTs, supply chains, and micropayments.

Orbis team is currently looking for $1 million in funding for the development and subsequent launch on Cardano.