Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) Surges with 200K+ Whitelist Signups, Overpacing NEAR’s Path Toward $14 in 2026

The Layer-1 comeback is gaining pace, and NEAR Protocol (NEAR) has jumped back among the top crypto assets after a strong 33% rally. The surge reflects rising interest in high-speed blockchains ready for Web3 and AI-powered apps. Meanwhile, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is turning heads as crypto’s next big story, with its whitelist now open and early entries soaring.

Together, NEAR and Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) highlight two key forces behind the next bull phase: scalability and verifiable privacy. As the market heats up again, investors are weighing which projects could define 2025’s winners.

NEAR’s 33% Climb: Growing Adoption and Investor Rebound

After months of sideways movement, NEAR has broken out with a 33% jump, boosted by renewed demand for fast, developer-friendly blockchains. This rally aligns with the wider shift toward Layer-1 projects offering speed, cross-chain support, and real-world use cases.

NEAR’s core strength lies in its Nightshade sharding, delivering block times near 600 ms and finality in just 1.2 seconds. Its parallel transaction processing allows throughput to grow with network activity, a vital feature for AI-driven and data-heavy dApps.

The Aurora EVM and Rainbow Bridge enhance its cross-chain reach, letting developers deploy Ethereum contracts at lower cost and higher speed. With millions of monthly active users and growing transaction volume, NEAR’s rise isn’t driven by hype but by strong fundamentals and usage.

NEAR Protocol Price Prediction 2026: What to Expect

Analysts forecast several NEAR Protocol price prediction scenarios through 2026:

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  Base Case (Moderate Growth): If NEAR maintains developer engagement and market recovery continues, it could reach $6.50–$9.00 by late 2026.
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  Bullish Case (High Adoption): With more DeFi and AI integrations, major partnerships, and rising throughput, NEAR might target $10–$14, regaining its status among leading Layer-1s.
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  Bearish Case (Slow Growth): If market or competition pressures hold it back, NEAR may trade between $4–$6.

The realistic midpoint sits near $8.50, assuming steady progress and a healthy crypto market.

Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP): Whitelist Open, Redefining Privacy & Trust

While NEAR leads scalability, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is shaping the next wave of blockchain development. Its whitelist is live, attracting massive participation as privacy and verifiable AI computation take the spotlight.

ZKP uses zero-knowledge cryptography to confirm computations without revealing private data, a major breakthrough for AI, DeFi, and enterprise security. Backed by a $100 million pre-launch build, it represents a rare infrastructure-led initiative rather than a hype-driven one.

Its Initial Coin Auction (ICA) introduces transparent distribution, preventing insider dominance seen in traditional presales. This fair approach, paired with its privacy-first design, makes ZKP one of the top crypto assets expected to define 2025. Analysts believe demand for secure computation will fuel rapid adoption as blockchain and AI continue to merge.

For those joining early, the whitelist is a chance to participate before this megatrend accelerates.

NEAR & ZKP: A Future Built on Speed and Privacy

NEAR and ZKP capture the two key pillars of the crypto future. NEAR provides scalable infrastructure for Web3 and AI apps, while Zero Knowledge Proof ensures those operations remain private and verifiable.

NEAR’s high-speed sharding and EVM compatibility deliver performance at scale, while ZKP’s privacy architecture offers mathematical proof of trust. Together, they outline a next-generation blockchain ecosystem focused on transparency, utility, and confidentiality.

Diversifying across both gives investors exposure to the full spectrum, NEAR for scalability and ZKP for privacy-led innovation, ahead of the 2025–2026 uptrend.

Final Thoughts

The NEAR Protocol price prediction for 2026 points to steady progress and solid fundamentals, with potential prices ranging from $6.50 to $14 depending on market strength. Its blend of scalability and EVM compatibility secures its place among key Layer-1 players.

At the same time, Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is fast emerging as one of the top crypto assets of 2025. With its whitelist live and over $100 million invested before launch, it sets a new benchmark for privacy-focused, AI-ready blockchain design.

For investors looking ahead, NEAR and ZKP represent the perfect mix, one built for speed, the other for trust, defining what’s next in crypto’s evolution.