Zero-knowledge proofs become the key to Ethereum's future, Foundation executive reveals mid-term roadmap

The Ethereum Foundation Co-Executive Director Hsiao-Wei Wang recently clarified in an interview that zero-knowledge proofs will become a core component of the Ethereum network. This is not a distant vision but a concrete technical direction already incorporated into the mid-term roadmap. Over the past one or two years, zero-knowledge cryptography has achieved multiple breakthroughs, gradually evolving from theoretical research to feasible protocol-level solutions.

Why Zero-Knowledge Proofs Are Key

Zero-knowledge proofs fundamentally address the core contradiction faced by blockchain: how to achieve scalability while ensuring security and decentralization. Currently, Ethereum’s upgrade focus remains on improving Layer 2 network execution efficiency and Blob space optimization, but zero-knowledge as a protocol-layer solution is increasingly demonstrating its value.

The Practical Significance of Technical Breakthroughs

Ethereum researchers have released the native zkEVM plan, which means the network can default to using zero-knowledge proofs to verify transactions. The direct benefits of this technology include:

• Significantly reducing the computational workload required to protect Ethereum
• Achieving network scalability without sacrificing decentralization
• Increasing throughput without compromising reliability
• Creating greater space for future network evolution

The Real-World Significance of the Roadmap

Hsiao-Wei Wang emphasized that although the network is continuously evolving, Ethereum’s core values remain unchanged: risk resistance, security, censorship resistance, and neutrality. The introduction of zero-knowledge proofs is not a compromise of these principles but a pursuit of scalability breakthroughs within these constraints.

From Now to the Future

Currently, zero-knowledge proofs are still transitioning from research to practical application. Optimization of Layer 2 solutions remains a recent focus, but the emergence of zkEVM indicates that Ethereum is preparing for deeper protocol upgrades. This means that in the next one or two years, we may see more applications and infrastructure based on zero-knowledge proofs.

Summary

Zero-knowledge proofs, once a theoretical concept, are evolving into a strategic technological direction for Ethereum. The statements from foundation executives indicate that this is not optional but an essential path. Under the premise of maintaining core values, achieving true scalability through zero-knowledge cryptography is becoming a clear goal for Ethereum’s mid-term development. This signifies that the entire ecosystem may find a better balance between security, decentralization, and scalability in the future Ethereum network.