Kakarot: An Innovative zkEVM Project

Kakarot zkEVM is an Ethereum Virtual Machine implementation written in the Cairo language. Cairo is a Turing-complete language associated with CairoVM, which utilizes polynomials and the ZK-STARK proof system to achieve verifiable computation.

As a zkEVM, Kakarot is characterized by its ability to generate provable transactions and blocks. Built on top of CairoVM, every transaction executed on Kakarot is provable. This allows developers to deploy EVM applications on it while enabling users to interact with these applications using familiar tools.

In addition, Kakarot plans to provide interoperability with the Starknet protocol, offering composability for protocols in various fields such as DeFi and GameFi.

Development Roadmap

The Kakarot project began in October 2022, aiming to create a zkEVM with less than 10,000 lines of code in an open-source manner. This goal was achieved in just six months. The testnet is expected to be released by the end of summer 2023.

The development roadmap of Kakarot zkEVM is divided into three stages:

1. Kakarot zkEVM on Starknet: Bringing EVM to Starknet
2. Kakarot x Madara: Implement L3 zkEVMs
3. Kakarot x Madara: Achieve type 1 zkEVM

Each stage has its specific goals and technical challenges, aimed at gradually enhancing the functionality and performance of Kakarot.

Team Background

The Kakarot core team was born out of a hackathon event in Lisbon. With the support of the Starknet Foundation and Onlydust, Kakarot now has over 40 unique contributors.

Core members include:

• Elias Tazartes: Co-founder and CEO, focusing on blockchain engineering and full-stack development.
• Clément Walter: Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, with a diverse background as a scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur.

Financing Situation

Kakarot has completed its pre-seed funding round, with specific amounts not disclosed. The investors include Starkware and LambDa. Angel investors include Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, Ledger co-founder Nicolas Bacca, and ZAMA co-founder and CEO Rand Hindi.

Project Outlook

Kakarot, as the zkEVM implementation on Starknet, is expected to become an important bridge connecting the Starknet and Ethereum ecosystems. It can lower the barriers for developers, making it easier for Ethereum ecosystem projects to build on Starknet.

However, the development of Kakarot is also closely linked to the Starknet ecosystem. The continuous development of Starknet and improvements in user experience will provide a good growth environment for Kakarot.

Kakarot has received support from Vitalik Buterin and StarkWare, which is an important boost both mentally and financially. However, compared to other zkEVM projects, the Kakarot team is smaller, and its budget and brand awareness are relatively low, which is one of the challenges it faces.

Kakarot is currently in its early stages, with its testnet about to be released, and it is worth keeping an eye on its future developments.