What Is ZKWASM? A Complete Guide to the Next-Gen Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine for Web3

What is ZKWASM?

Image: https://www.zkwasmhub.com/

ZKWASM, developed by Delphinus Lab, is a zero-knowledge virtual machine which stands for Zero-Knowledge WebAssembly Machine. Its primary goal is to natively provide WASM programs with zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) capabilities. In short, developers can deploy existing WebAssembly programs on ZKWASM to generate verifiable off-chain computation results, which are then submitted as proofs on-chain. As a result, decentralized applications become more efficient and trustworthy.

How ZKWASM Works: Technical Principles

ZKWASM brings together two foundational technologies:

1. WebAssembly (WASM): A lightweight, platform-agnostic bytecode format widely deployed in environments like AWS Lambda and edge computing, supporting multi-language compilation (e.g., Rust, C++, AssemblyScript).
2. zkSNARK: A zero-knowledge proof protocol that enables verification of computations without the need to recompute the original inputs.

However, traditionally, leveraging zkSNARKs required rewriting programs in circuit languages—a highly complex process. ZKWASM streamlines this by converting the entire WASM virtual machine into a zk circuit, enabling seamless migration of existing WASM applications to a zk environment and drastically lowering integration barriers.

Key Use Cases for ZKWASM

• Modular Rollup Architectures: Build highly scalable Layer 2 networks leveraging ZKWASM, enabling off-chain batch processing and aggregated on-chain submissions.
• Verifiable Gaming and dApps: Deliver provable game logic and results without exposing user privacy, enhancing ecosystem trust.
• Off-Chain AI and Oracle Integrations: WASM’s multi-language flexibility allows developers to build zk modules easily. These modules can be used for machine learning or oracle verification scenarios.

Ecosystem Support and Investment in ZKWASM

The ZKWASM project is spearheaded by Delphinus Lab, which has also developed a zero-knowledge-native Launchpad and mini-game platform. The project has secured investment from top-tier backers, including HashKey Capital, Mirana Ventures, and SevenX.

ZKWASM tokens are issued under the BEP-20 standard, with a total supply of 1 billion tokens. The tokens are designed to incentivize proof mining, ecosystem development, airdrops, and marketing initiatives. The release schedule is structured over several years, aligning with the project’s long-term growth strategy.

ZKWASM Tokenomics Design

Image: https://x.com/DelphinusLab/status/1944699799850140159

The ZKWASM token (ticker: ZKWASM) is issued on BNB Chain under the BEP-20 standard, with a capped supply of 1 billion. The tokenomics design balances early ecosystem incentives and long-term sustainability, with allocations as follows:

• Proof Mining Rewards (35%): Incentivizes nodes and users participating in off-chain proof computations. This allocation is locked for 12 months and then linearly released over the following 72 months, covering the network’s period of stable operation.
• Ecosystem Foundation (18%): Supports ecosystem developers and infrastructure. 2% is released at Token Generation Event (TGE), with the remainder released linearly over 72 months.
• Investors (15%): Reserved for early strategic investors, subject to a 1-year lockup followed by a 36-month linear release, reflecting a long-term partnership model.
• Team and Advisors (total 12%): Locked for 12 months, with a linear release over 36–72 months to reduce short-term selling pressure and ensure ongoing team incentives.
• Marketing (5%): Allocated for market expansion and brand building; 1% released at TGE, remainder distributed over 3 years.
• Airdrop Incentives (2.5%): For activities such as those on Gate; 100% unlocked at TGE to rapidly bootstrap user participation.
• Liquidity Pool & DEX Allocation (2.5%): Initial liquidity provision for both centralized and decentralized exchanges, fully released at TGE.
• Operations Reserve (8%): Supports ZKWASM-Hub community governance and operating expenses, with a release period extending to 96 months.

This structure achieves a careful balance of “steady early rollout and sustained release in later stages.” It maximizes the ecosystem’s early momentum while minimizing the risk of market volatility from rapid token circulation.

Future Development Outlook

ZKWASM is emerging as a critical component of the zero-knowledge infrastructure landscape. By fusing WASM with ZKP technologies, ZKWASM offers a secure and verifiable pathway for legacy Web2 applications to transition into Web3. With growing demand for modular rollups, off-chain computation, and AI integration, ZKWASM’s potential is considerable and warrants ongoing attention from the industry.

Gate Debuts ZKWASM and Launches Airdrop Event

On July 22, 2025, ZKWASM officially debuted on Gate, opening ZKWASM/USDT spot trading alongside the 270th HODLer Airdrop campaign. The campaign will distribute a total of 250,000 tokens, all fully unlocked at once. Holding just 1 GT or more qualifies users to share in the rewards based on their snapshot proportion. The maximum allocation is 2,000 GT per participant. This airdrop does not affect users’ holdings, providing users with an opportunity to participate in the ZKWASM project at no cost. As a premier global crypto exchange, Gate provides a secure and efficient gateway for users to engage, supporting broader adoption of ZKWASM’s technology and ecosystem innovation.

Click here for more details: https://www.gate.com/announcements/article/46206

ZKWASM is now live on Gate’s spot market. Begin trading here: https://www.gate.com/trade/ZKWASM_USDT