IBC-ZK

Polymer is a modular IBC-based networking protocol that enables ZK-IBC connections across all integrated chains. Its state layer defines how state is moved and proven from one chain to its counterparty, allowing for modularity and separation of concerns. Polymer's innovation lies in the transport layer, which is the defining layer of any interoperability protocol and standardization is crucial for preventing fragmentation. The transport layer produces a commitment to all messages sent and received from a chain while enforcing TAO logic. Polymer's endgame is to support any flavor of IBC, on any type of chain.

Optimistic ZK IBC connections can be achieved by implementing a combination of both optimistic and ZK proof verification techniques. This solution allows for an upper bound on latency, lower latencies when relayers are properly incentivized, and reduced cost of connection maintenance. Polymer's zkMint and zkTree innovations provide a considerable reduction in cost to compute and verify consensus proofs on-chain, but the cost and latency could still prove prohibitive in highly congested networks. Polymer is the first modular IBC-based networking protocol, focusing on a multichain future connected primarily by one open-sourced, community-developed, and maintained industry standard, IBC x Polymer.