Zero-knowledge proof (ZK-proof) coprocessor Brevis has launched its marketplace, enabling users to earn by computing ZK-proofs. The platform, named "ProverNet," is a decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) network that provides applications with access to ZK-proof proving capacity. Simultaneously, computing providers can earn revenue by undertaking these computations. Currently, the network utilizes Circle's USDC stablecoin as its native settlement currency.
Brevis has announced plans to transition to its native BREV token upon ProverNet's exit from beta and mainnet launch. The mainnet will also introduce prover staking and slashing mechanisms to address misbehavior or missed deadlines.
ProverNet currently facilitates the distribution of proving tasks through a continuous auction system. It also handles USDC payment settlements and manages the registration and job matching processes for provers. Provers can register and begin competing for available jobs, while applications can submit proof requests directly to the network.
Background and Existing Integrations
The computation of ZK-proofs is a resource-intensive process, often making it impractical for individual developers or users to perform on their own, particularly when large volumes of proofs are required. Brevis has been addressing this challenge by offering ZK-proof processing solutions to the industry. In late 2023, the firm announced its support for Uniswap v4 hooks, enabling trustless access to and computation of transaction history for liquidity providers and traders.
Uniswap, a prominent decentralized crypto exchange, introduced a routing rebate program in October that was built on Brevis's technology. Brevis was awarded a grant to develop this program. Earlier this year, Brevis also announced a partnership involving MetaMask, Linea, and Brevis, aimed at delivering ZK Proof-powered rewards to MetaMask Card users.
PancakeSwap has integrated Brevis infrastructure for its ZK-proof processing needs. Following an investment from Binance in 2024, Brevis's technology was also employed to power trustless cross-chain restaking infrastructure on the BNB Chain.
Brevis reports having processed over 250 million proofs for more than 30 partners. The organization observed that ZK-proof workloads exhibit significant variability, which motivated the development of ProverNet to provide enhanced flexibility. This system allows applications to access specialized capacity without vendor lock-in, while provers can find workloads suited to their hardware. The ecosystem benefits from shared infrastructure rather than fragmented silos.
ProverNet's Initial Deployment
In its announcement, Brevis stated that it is already in the process of gradually migrating production workloads to ProverNet. Initially, the service is moving a subset of Ethereum block execution proving tasks from ETHProofs. ETHProofs is a public service designed to generate ZK-proofs of Ethereum block execution, thereby verifying the contents of specific blocks. This capability supports applications such as trust-minimized bridging across different blockchains.