Joe Lubin: Ethereum Will Not Have a 'Second Foundation' and May Become a Fully Zero-Knowledge Proof-Based Protocol Within 3 to 5 Years

Odaily Planet Daily News - Consensys CEO Joseph Lubin stated that Ethereum is expected to evolve into a fully zero-knowledge proof (ZK Proof)-based protocol within the next 3 to 5 years. This development will not only optimize the main chain but also enhance the composability between Ethereum and Layer 2 solutions. Joseph Lubin expressed his support for the 'Rollup-centric roadmap,' believing that by strengthening Layer 1, introducing the 'Lean Ethereum' initiative, and promoting ZK proofs, Ethereum's foundational layer can undergo significant upgrades. Lean Ethereum aims to achieve over 10,000 transactions per second while maintaining a highly decentralized mainnet, supporting privacy and quantum-resistant solutions. Regarding Layer 2, Joseph Lubin pointed out that ZK technology has already enabled real-time proofs in some L2 networks, with plans to extend this capability to Layer 1, eventually transitioning to a fully ZK-based foundational protocol supported by multiple provers. For example, projects like Consensys-developed Linea chain and Gnosis are leveraging zero-knowledge proofs to achieve cross-network synchronized transactions, potentially eliminating the need for bridges and unifying fragmented liquidity. Joseph Lubin emphasized that the initial 'divergence phase' of the Rollup roadmap is designed to provide experimental space for Layer 2 technologies. Although this may temporarily disperse liquidity in the short term, it lays the groundwork for Ethereum's future infinite scalability and technological iterations. He believes that some Layer 2 technologies will become systemically important components, and this exploration process is necessary. Additionally, Joseph Lubin responded to recent personnel changes at the Ethereum Foundation (EF) and rumors about a 'Second Foundation,' stating that there will not be a second foundation. EF will continue to focus on core protocol development, usability, scalability, and institutional collaboration, while supporting at least three independent teams spun off from EF to focus on protocol, user experience, and institutional expansion efforts. (The Block)