Bitcoin’s lack of native programmability, coupled with advancements in zero knowledge cryptography, has led to rollups being explored as a substitute for an execution layer. Citrea’s approach involves using Bitcoin as a data availability & settlement layer for their zero knowledge rollup. These rollups not only lower transaction costs, but they also enable smart contracts to use Bitcoin’s L1 security and further incentivise miners to secure the chain despite halving rewards. In order to inherit Bitcoin’s security, zk proofs are inscribed in Bitcoin blocks.

Topics covered in this episode:

Orkun’s backgroundInscriptions, BitVM and zk rollups on BitcoinOptimistic bridgingSequencerProgrammability solutions on BitcoinBitVM developmentCitrea ecosystem developmentcBTC vs. custodial wrapped BTCThere is no second best!PoW, halving block rewards and how rollups incentivise minersCitrea’s efficiency & fee reductionBitcoin as an inflation hedgeEpisode links:

Orkun Mahir Kilic on TwitterCitrea on TwitterBitVMSponsors:

Gnosis: Gnosis builds decentralized infrastructure for the Ethereum ecosystem, since 2015. This year marks the launch of Gnosis Pay— the world's first Decentralized Payment Network. Get started today at - gnosis.ioChorus One: Chorus One is one of the largest node operators worldwide, supporting more than 100,000 delegators, across 45 networks. The recently launched OPUS allows staking up to 8,000 ETH in a single transaction. Enjoy the highest yields and institutional grade security at - chorus.oneThis episode is hosted by Felix Lutsch.