In a detailed post, Vitalik Buterin credited Polygon for its major contributions to Ethereum’s growth, technological innovation, and even real-world humanitarian efforts. His remarks highlight how blockchain teams are not only shaping the future of decentralized technology but also making a difference beyond finance.
Polygon’s Significant Impact on the Ethereum Ecosystem
Polygon, often described as Ethereum’s scalability partner, has been a key player in pushing the network’s limits. Buterin praised Polygon for hosting Polymarket, a popular prediction platform where users can trade opinions on real-world events—from elections to sports results. This serves as a strong example of how blockchain technology is extending beyond finance to create new forms of digital interaction.
He also highlighted Polygon’s early and substantial investment in zero-knowledge (ZK) technology. ZK proofs enable systems to verify transactions without revealing private data, thereby enhancing blockchain speed and privacy. Polygon’s ZK-EVM project, notably advanced by Jordi Baylina’s team, has been instrumental in moving this cutting-edge field forward.
I really appreciate both @sandeepnailwal’s personal contributions and @0xPolygon‘s immensely valuable role in the ethereum ecosystem.
To recap:
* Polygon hosts @Polymarket, which is probably the single most successful example of a “not just boring finance” app that has actually…
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) October 21, 2025
Buterin also spotlighted Sandeep Nailwal’s personal contributions beyond blockchain technology. Through CryptoRelief, Nailwal channeled funding into biomedical research in India during the pandemic, including initiatives focused on clean air. Significantly, he returned $190 million from a prior SHIB donation made by Buterin. This allowed the Ethereum founder to finance Balvi, an open-source biotech program dedicated to preventing airborne diseases.
In a notable display of appreciation, Buterin contrasted Nailwal and Binance’s Changpeng Zhao (CZ) with “most whales,” referring to wealthy crypto holders who infrequently contribute directly to global causes. He suggested that both leaders exemplify a more responsible and proactive generation of crypto founders.
Polygon's Evolving Relationship with Ethereum
Sandeep Nailwal, the Founder and CEO of Polygon, recently voiced his frustration regarding his relationship with Ethereum, questioning his long-standing commitment to the network. He shared that his initial passion for crypto was sparked by Ethereum and that he held deep admiration for its co-founder, Vitalik Buterin. However, he noted that despite Polygon’s significant contributions, the project had not received support from the Ethereum Foundation or its core community.
Read this from Peter and realized that it’s time for me to also speak up.
NGL, I’ve started questioning my loyalty toward Ethereum. I did not come into crypto because of Bitcoin but because of Ethereum. I also have a lot of gratitude toward @VitalikButerin — someone I looked up… https://t.co/yrcrGEwXs8
— Sandeep | CEO, Polygon Foundation (※,※) (@sandeepnailwal) October 20, 2025
Nailwal described the current Ethereum community as “a mess,” expressing that builders often feel alienated or undervalued. He added that some friends have even advised him to move forward and declare Polygon an independent Layer 1 (L1) chain—a strategic shift that, by his estimation, could significantly increase its valuation. Nevertheless, he pointed out the irony that Polygon is perceived as excluded from Ethereum’s Layer 2 (L2) ecosystem, despite its proof-of-stake chain being dependent on Ethereum and many of its newer solutions being true L2s.