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ZK Thunder Network

ZK Thunder is Mintlayer's high-performance ZK-Rollup Layer 3, designed to bring scalability, privacy, and EVM compatibility to Bitcoin. ZK Thunder is currently in Testnet but will be going Live on Mainnet in the coming months.

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Layer 3

What is ZK Thunder?

ZK Thunder is Mintlayer’s cutting-edge Layer 3 (L3) network, designed to bring lightning-fast, EVM-compatible smart contract functionality to Bitcoin. Built as a ZK-Rollup, it leverages zero-knowledge proofs for enhanced scalability, security, and privacy while maintaining interoperability with the broader crypto ecosystem. With ZK Thunder, users can experience the best of both worlds—Bitcoin’s security and Ethereum’s programmability.

1 Second
Settlement

ZK Thunder drastically reduces transaction finality times, enabling near-instant settlements that unlock a new level of efficiency. Unlike Bitcoin’s 10-minute blocks or even Mintlayer’s 2-minute settlement times, ZK Thunder achieves this in 1-second.

Enhanced
Privacy

Privacy is at the core of ZK Thunder’s design. Utilizing zero-knowledge cryptography, entire batches of transactions can be verified collectively without disclosing sensitive details, allowing optional data retention to enhance user confidentiality while maintaining compliance capabilities.

EVM Compatibility

ZK Thunder brings full Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility to the Mintlayer ecosystem, allowing developers to deploy existing Ethereum-based smart contracts with minimal modifications. This means that DApps, DeFi protocols, and other Web3 applications can seamlessly integrate with Bitcoin via Mintlayer.
Innovative Three-Layer Architecture

Mintlayer Layers Explained

Mintlayer is a multi-layered ecosystem built on Bitcoin,
with Layer 2 enabling native BTC swaps and asset tokenization,
and Layer 3 (ZK Thunder) providing high-speed, EVM-compatible smart contracts.
ZK Rollup
EVM compatible
1 second settlement

ML Thunder Network

Fast bridge
Fast bridge
Trading & minting tokens
Non-turing complete
2 minutes settlement

Mintlayer

HTLC Smart Contracts
Atomic swap
BTC only layer
Extremely reliable but slow
10 minutes settlement

Bitcoin

Structured Approach

Bitcoin Layer 1

The Bitcoin network known for its unparalleled reliability, Layer 1 operates with robust security, albeit at lower transaction speeds, with settlements potentially extending beyond 10 minutes during peak times.
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Mintlayer Layer 2

The Mintlayer network L2 enhances interoperability through Atomic Swaps using Hash Time Locked Contracts, allowing direct cross-chain swaps between Bitcoin, ML coins, and other Mintlayer-minted assets. While faster than Bitcoin with a settlement time of approximately 2 minutes, L2 prioritizes security and reliability, leveraging non-Turing complete smart contracts and a UTXO model inspired by Bitcoin's architecture.
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ZK Thunder Layer 3

The introduction of ZK Thunder Network L3 marks a significant technological advancement, offering 1 second transaction settlements and EVM compatibility that facilitates seamless integration with Ethereum-based smart contracts and DApps. This layer ensures that Mintlayer can easily interact with other EVM-compatible chains through a Fast Bridge, optimizing usability without compromising the underlying robustness provided by L2
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The Bitcoin Network Known for its unparalleled reliability, Layer 1 operates with robust security, albeit at lower transaction speeds, with settlements potentially extending beyond 10 minutes during peak times.
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Block Explorer

Gain full transparency into the ZK Thunder Network with our advanced block explorer. Track transactions, monitor smart contract activity, and verify blocks in real time—all in one seamless interface.

Verify Now

Connect Metamask

Connect your MetaMask wallet to the ZK Thunder Testnet and start exploring its lightning-fast transactions, enhanced privacy, and EVM compatibility. Test it now and be part of the future of Bitcoin DeFi!