Ethereum R1 is a community-driven initiative that promises to redefine the potential of the second largest blockchain network. By embracing a decentralized approach and public funding model, R1 aims to address concerns surrounding Ethereum’s commercialization and power imbalance. interviewed Zeng Jiajun, core team member of Ethereum R1, for an exclusive glimpse into the project’s vision and development process. 100% public funding and a token-free design philosophy are central tenets of this new layer 2 infrastructure. R1 distinguishes itself from existing rollups by prioritizing community involvement and open access to its development roadmap. This interview sheds light on R1’s key features and motivations, addressing vital questions like how incentives will be generated without tokens, the viability of transaction fees as a decentralized proposer network, and the project’s progress toward public donations.