Polygon unveils plan to build network of ZK-based Layer 2 chains

The core team at Polygon has unveiled its plan for building Polygon 2.0 — envisioned as a network of zero-knowledge-powered Layer 2 blockchains. 

Polygon operates a proof-of-stake sidechain network called Polygon POS, which runs parallel to Ethereum and hosts notable crypto apps, such as Uniswap and Aave. It also manages a Layer 2 network based on ZK-Rollups, named Polygon zkEVM, complementing its existing proof-of-stake chain.

However, the team is preparing to create additional Layer 2s that leverage ZK-Rollups — one of the two most adopted solutions designed to scale Ethereum with off-chain computation. Such individual Layer 2s could interact with each other securely. 

What is Polygon 2.0?

The team explained that the architecture of Polygon 2.0 is being designed to facilitate instantaneous and secure cross-chain interactions with Layer 2 chains without additional trust assumptions. The team stated that this initiative aims to establish the “Value Layer of the Internet.”

“Individual blockchains aren’t infinitely scalable; they have strict throughput limits," the team noted. "We can add capacity by creating new chains, but not without fragmenting liquidity and reducing security and capital efficiency. Enter Polygon 2.0."

Polygon has previously shown interest in creating multiple chains using its software stack called SuperNets. The team has been involved in developing individual chains for Immutable and Aavegotchi. With Polygon 2.0, the emphasis will shift towards creating more interconnected chains, leading to ecosystems akin to Cosmos and Polkadot. However, the unique approach, in this case, involves developing them as Layer 2s that leverage ZK-Rollups.