Celo Adopts Optimism's OP Stack for Ethereum-Compatible Layer 2 Solution

Celo, a proof-of-stake blockchain platform, has chosen Optimism's OP Stack for its transition to an Ethereum Layer 2 network. After an eight-month review process, Celo's development team, cLabs, proposed integrating OP Stack to enhance security, liquidity sharing, and developer experience, aligning with Celo's goal of leveraging the Ethereum ecosystem while maintaining its focus on mobile-first accessibility and stable assets for developing economies.

Celo Embarks on Layer 2 Odyssey with Optimism's OP Stack

In a bold move that signals its strategic alignment with the Ethereum ecosystem, Celo, a blockchain platform renowned for its mobile-first approach and focus on emerging markets, has announced its intention to migrate to Optimism's OP Stack, an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) solution.

This pivotal decision culminates an extensive eight-month evaluation process meticulously undertaken by Celo's development arm, cLabs, which meticulously scrutinized leading L2 providers to identify the optimal solution for Celo's ambitious roadmap. Polygon CDK, Arbitrum Orbit, zkSync's ZK Stack, and OP Stack were subjected to a rigorous "bake-off," with OP Stack emerging as the clear victor.

"We didn't just make a choice last year, but performed all this due diligence," said Rene Reinsberg, co-founder of cLabs and president of the Celo Foundation, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the assessment.

The OP Stack serves as the cornerstone of Celo's transformative shift from a standalone blockchain to an Ethereum-based L2 network. This strategic move is driven by Celo's recognition that its long-term trajectory lies within the expansive Ethereum ecosystem, which offers a vibrant tapestry of tools, applications, and liquidity.

"It's incredibly exciting to actually have them [Celo] be focused on OP Stack, perform extensive due diligence, and look at all these chains," said Ryan Wyatt, chief growth officer of the Optimism Foundation, lauding Celo's rigorous evaluation process.

The integration of OP Stack will provide a transformative boost to Celo's capabilities, enhancing its security, facilitating seamless liquidity sharing between Ethereum and Celo, and streamlining development for its vibrant ecosystem of builders. The proposal envisions a frictionless integration between the OP Stack and Ethereum tools, effectively eliminating the need for compatibility monitoring.

Furthermore, the architectural blueprint incorporates a decentralized sequencer leveraging Celo's existing validator set and off-chain data availability solutions like EigenDA, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the migration process.

Beyond technical prowess, Celo's migration to OP Stack aligns with its unwavering commitment to enhancing user experience and simplifying the complexities of the crypto landscape. By leveraging Ethereum's L2 infrastructure, Celo aims to democratize access to cryptocurrencies, replacing cumbersome public keys with familiar mobile phone numbers for seamless transactions.

"We are thrilled to have the Celo team join our growing community of L2 believers," said Wyatt. "Their commitment to mobile-first, accessible crypto is a beacon of hope in the industry."

Celo's transition to OP Stack is a testament to its unwavering pursuit of innovation and its commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem that empowers both developers and end-users. As Celo embraces the transformative potential of L2 technology, it remains steadfast in its focus on mobile accessibility and reliable assets tailored to the needs of emerging markets.

This momentous shift marks a significant chapter in Celo's journey, unlocking new avenues for growth and innovation. By harnessing the power of Ethereum's ecosystem through OP Stack, Celo positions itself as a formidable player in the rapidly evolving world of blockchain.