Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has unveiled the GKR protocol, a groundbreaking family of cryptographic proof systems designed to significantly accelerate computations within ZK-EVMs and zk-ML environments. 🔑
The GKR approach dramatically improves efficiency by committing only to inputs and outputs, eliminating the need to verify each intermediate computation step.
More details on the GKR protocol: https://t.co/Oo7jraC4sy.
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) October 20, 2025
A breakthrough in proof performance
The GKR method, inspired by the Goldwasser–Kalai–Rothblum (GKR) approach, is particularly well-suited for computations involving multiple low-degree layers and repetitive operations like hashing or neural network inference.
Unlike traditional proof systems such as STARKs, which require commitments at each layer, GKR streamlines its process by focusing on endpoints. This results in much faster proof creation, especially within the highly demanding areas of ZK-EVMs and zk-ML models.
Efficiency without compromising on rigor
GKR’s strength lies in its simplicity, committing only to inputs and outputs while leveraging a sum-check proof structure for verifying intermediary steps.
This approach proves particularly efficient with repetitive workloads such as hashing (e.g., Poseidon) or neural layers, where parallel patterns can be easily proven.
Wrappable privacy protection
While GKR itself doesn’t provide zero-knowledge privacy, it can be integrated with ZK-SNARK or ZK-STARK systems to add confidentiality. The protocol’s design enables high efficiency while upholding mathematical rigor throughout the verification process.
Why this matters for Ethereum
Buterin highlights that GKR represents a significant step forward for Ethereum’s scalability and proof computation. By eliminating redundant commitments and focusing on end-to-end validation, GKR enables faster proof creation at lower cost.
As Ethereum continues to evolve toward faster and more scalable zero-knowledge systems, GKR could become a core component powering next-generation proof-of-computation frameworks across both crypto and AI applications.
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