ZetaChain: Building a full-chain interoperability platform to promote the development of the Web3 ecosystem

In the wave of the multi-chain era, numerous public chains are emerging, but they also face challenges such as insufficient liquidity and depletion of funds. Some public chains overly rely on cross-chain bridges to introduce assets, and when security issues arise with these bridges, the entire ecosystem suffers a severe blow. This situation has sounded the alarm for the entire industry.

In this context, ZetaChain was born. As a forward-looking full-chain interoperability platform, ZetaChain is dedicated to solving the fragmentation and limitations in the existing blockchain ecosystem. By seamlessly connecting assets and data across different blockchain networks, ZetaChain opens up new possibilities for the development and operation of decentralized applications.

The core team of ZetaChain consists of senior professionals from well-known companies in the industry. These team members translate their rich experience in the Web3 field and deep understanding of market demands into the core technology and strategic direction of ZetaChain. Their shared vision is to build a blockchain that can serve as a passport to the Web3 world, thereby simplifying and accelerating the development of decentralized applications and user experience.

Interoperability has always been a core issue in the development of blockchain. ZetaChain not only provides innovative solutions technically but also innovates standards in its implementation. Through its unique multiparty computation system and threshold signature scheme, ZetaChain achieves interoperability with traditional non-smart contract chains such as Bitcoin and Dogecoin.

ZetaChain is committed to becoming a true cross-chain interoperability and asset transfer platform by providing a full-chain account. Below is an in-depth conversation with the ZetaChain team, revealing how this project is set to transform the decentralized ecosystem in the Web3 era.

Core Contributors and Experience Applications of ZetaChain

The core contributors of ZetaChain realized the necessity of building ZetaChain and the concept of the "only blockchain needed" after participating in multiple Web3 projects. Currently, developers of decentralized applications face complexity issues when building products for multiple chains, and this step is crucial for seizing opportunities in the Web3 market. They also need to consider how to ensure that products can adapt to future technological developments and changes. ZetaChain not only addresses these issues but also simplifies the user experience. These challenges stem directly from the team's previous work experience in the crypto industry.

How ZetaChain Achieves Universal Interoperability

ZetaChain adopts a multi-party computation system, where each signature validator holds a part of the private key. On each connected chain, there is an account derived from this private key. Using the Threshold Signature Scheme (TSS), validators can sign transactions from this TSS account. Since the TSS account is a regular external account, it does not need to execute smart contract logic on the connected chain, which allows interoperability even with chains like Bitcoin that do not support smart contracts.

Tokens transferred to the TSS address on the connected chain will become ZRC-20 wrapped tokens on ZetaChain. Withdrawing ZRC-20 from ZetaChain to the connected chain will trigger the transfer of tokens from the TSS address to the recipient.

Advantages of Omnichain Technology

Omnichain contracts allow DApp developers to create DApps that can accept inputs from any connected chain and trigger outputs to any connected chain. The advantage of Omnichain over cross-chain messaging is that the architecture is simpler, as it does not require the deployment and management of numerous contracts on different chains. Omnichain also makes it possible to provide interoperability on non-smart contract chains, effectively offering Bitcoin users a way to build Omnichain smart contracts.

Features of ZetaEVM Module

ZetaChain uses the Ethermint Cosmos SDK module, providing full EVM compatibility. In terms of single-chain performance and security, ZetaChain is comparable to other Cosmos blockchains that use the same EVM module. To achieve Omnichain functionality, the ZetaChain team developed custom Cosmos SDK modules, EVM contracts, and an off-chain observer named zetaclient, which together enhance the Omnichain capabilities of regular EVM contracts.

The Multi-Chain Functionality of ZetaChain

ZetaChain does not require a third-party cross-chain bridge, as its own mechanism provides cross-chain messaging and token transfer capabilities. ZetaChain focuses on moving native unwrapped assets between different chains, allowing users to receive native tokens on the target chain. This approach is safer, as once the cross-chain operation is complete, users no longer rely on ZetaChain to transfer assets back to the original chain.

Although there are ZRC-20 wrapped tokens on ZetaChain that represent assets transferred from connected chains, these wrapped tokens only exist during the transaction process for cross-chain operations, and end users do not interact with them directly.

ZetaChain's Technical Choices

ZetaChain uses the Comet BFT consensus engine, providing instant transaction finality, high throughput, and reliability. The Cosmos SDK offers developers a set of ready-made building blocks, such as staking modules, governance modules, and EVM-compatible layers. The modular nature of the Cosmos SDK enables the ZetaChain protocol team to develop modules that implement cross-chain messaging and support for interchangeable tokens in Omnichain contracts.

ZetaChain's User and Developer Attraction Strategy

ZetaChain believes that for developers looking to build Web3 applications and services, choosing which chain to launch their products on is very challenging, and the process of expanding to other chains is equally difficult. ZetaChain's vision of building a single chain that can access all other chains has resonated within the global developer community. ZetaChain actively builds relationships with developers by participating in various events, organizing hackathons, and releasing development documentation to help them build applications. ZetaChain has fostered close relationships with developers, proactively seeking their feedback and suggestions. In addition, ZetaChain has established an ecosystem bounty program to support promising developers in making Omnichain-related innovations on ZetaChain.

ZetaChain Ecosystem Planning

ZetaChain initially focused on DeFi projects due to the strong demand observed from users and developers in this field. Despite currently being in a bear market environment, the DeFi sector continues to maintain a strong momentum of development, thus there is a robust demand for multi-chain expansion and growth. ZetaChain also collaborates extensively with developers and DApps across various industries, including gaming, NFTs, social finance, and payments.

ZetaChain's Perspective on the Asian Community

Asia remains the core area of Web3. ZetaChain is proud of the community established in Asia and their enthusiasm for ZetaChain. ZetaChain collaborates with local ambassadors and communities and regularly participates in key events to ensure connectivity and responsiveness to the needs of developers and the local community.

ZetaChain Mainnet Launch Plan

Regarding the specific launch time of the mainnet, ZetaChain currently cannot provide detailed information. However, it is recommended to follow and subscribe to its social media accounts to ensure timely updates on the latest news and announcements.