• Polygon plans to integrate its networks and introduce ZK-proofs in 2024, aiming to enhance liquidity and network connectivity.

• In 2023, Polygon achieved significant milestones, including the launch of zkEVM, reducing transaction costs, and introducing the chain development kit (CDK) for developers.

Polygon, a leading blockchain scaling solution, is gearing up for a transformative year in 2024 as it embarks on its next development phase.  Consolidating its Ethereum layer-2 scaling networks to create “Polygon 2.0,” a cross-chain coordination protocol, is the centerpiece of Polygon’s ambitious year-long goal, as co-founder Jordi Baylina disclosed. In an interview, Baylina provided details on the plan to improve the scalability and interoperability of the Polygon ecosystem.

A major journey towards Polygon 2.0 will begin in 2024 for Polygon. By combining zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs) with Polygon’s various networks, this endeavor has the potential to completely transform the blockchain ecosystem. The objective is unambiguous: to promote smooth communication and cooperation between networks with different properties.

Four crucial protocol layers, each contributing to developing a dynamic and interconnected ecosystem, form the basis of Polygon 2. Execution, proving, staking, and cooperation are these layers. Polygon aims to assist developers and consumers by aligning its layers, enabling quick information sharing and value transfer throughout the network.

Reflecting on a Pivotal Year: 2023

For Polygon, 2023 was a crucial year. With the introduction of several ground-breaking products, the scaling protocol reached new heights, and developers were provided with the means to create interoperable services and decentralized apps (DApps). 

The launch of the zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) was a noteworthy turning point. A new era of efficiency was ushered in by this breakthrough, which decreased transaction costs and increased the throughput of smart contract implementations.

Empowering Developers with Polygon CDK

Polygon’s chain development kit (CDK), introduced in September 2023, opened the door to unparalleled opportunities for developers. It enables the creation of tailored ZK-powered layer-2 protocols on Ethereum, catering to the unique requirements of various projects. Notably, the CDK provides automatic access to liquidity across Polygon’s chains and the broader Ethereum ecosystem, ensuring on-demand scalability without fragmenting liquidity.

While switching from a proof-of-stake to a zkEVM validium might appear difficult, Polygon is dedicated to making this happen. Securing consensus, transferring bridges, maintaining network availability, and assisting with current applications are all part of the process. This complex move is evidence of Polygon’s commitment to developing blockchain technology.

Polygon Improvement Proposals (PIPs)

Polygon added three key PIPs in September 2023 to further improve its ecosystem. A noteworthy suggestion is to switch from MATIC tokens to POL tokens, which will serve as the Polygon ecosystem’s native gas and staking token. This action represents a calculated step in improving the Polygon network’s effectiveness and usefulness.

Polygon is currently a “constellation,” as Jordi Baylina put it, with the brightest star being the zkEVM. Polygon’s goal is to unleash the limitless potential of decentralized systems, and this analogy matches that goal. The use of zkEVM validium will accelerate network scalability and promote interoperability among ecosystem protocols, moving Polygon even more toward the forefront of blockchain innovation.

Challenges Ahead

There is no doubt that switching to Polygon 2.0 with zkEVM validium comes with significant obstacles. Because Polygon is decentralized, it requires consensus-building, careful bridge migration, and uninterrupted network operations. But Polygon is unfazed and ready to overcome these obstacles to realize its ambition.

It is worth noting that Polygon(Matic) is trading at $0.8628 with a 24-hour increase of 5%. Notably, its volume increased by 1%, registering a volume of $572M.