Zircuit (ZRC): A Hybrid Layer 2 Blockchain Platform with AI-Driven Security

Zircuit (ZRC) is a hybrid Layer 2 blockchain that combines the features of optimistic and ZK rollups, and uses AI-driven monitoring for potentially harmful transactions.

In recent times, the niche of Layer 2 blockchain platforms servicing the Ethereum (ETH) Layer 1 network has flourished, owing mainly to the ongoing network congestion, high fees and poor scalability of the latter. Many of these platforms use rollup technology, whereby batches of multiple transactions processed off-chain are bundled together and posted in bulk to the underlying Layer 1. Ethereum-linked rollups mainly come in two varieties — optimistic and zero-knowledge (ZK). While optimistic rollups boast lower computational overhead, the ZK variety of these networks features a higher degree of security.

Optimistic rollups, such as Arbitrum and Optimism, prioritize speed and efficiency. They generate a single proof of validity for each batch of transactions, which is then posted to the mainnet. In the event that the proof is found to be invalid, the batch is reverted. This approach enables optimistic rollups to achieve high throughput and low transaction fees. However, the use of a single proof of validity also means that these networks are vulnerable to fraud proofs, which can be used to manipulate the state of the Layer 2 chain.

On the other hand, ZK rollups, such as StarkNet and zkSync, place a greater emphasis on security. They generate a separate proof of validity for each individual transaction within a batch, and these proofs are then combined into a single SNARK (succinct non-interactive argument of knowledge) proof, which is posted to the mainnet. This approach makes ZK rollups highly secure, as any fraudulent transaction within a batch will be flagged during the generation of its individual proof of validity. However, the trade-off for this enhanced security is higher computational overhead and slower transaction speeds compared to optimistic rollups.

To address the limitations of both optimistic and ZK rollups and combine their strengths, some Layer 2 platforms have begun to adopt a hybrid approach. One such platform is Zircuit (ZRC), which uses a combination of optimistic and ZK rollups, along with a unique AI-driven system of monitoring for malicious transactions.

What Is Zircuit?

Zircuit (ZRC) is a Layer 2 chain that adopts a hybrid approach, combining the elements of optimistic and ZK-rollups. This lets the platform offer the performance benefits of optimistic technology along with the security of ZK validity proofs. To further enhance overall security, Zircuit uses a unique artificial intelligence (AI)–driven system of monitoring for malicious transactions.

Key Takeaways:

Zircuit (ZRC) is a Layer 2 platform that uses a hybrid design with elements of optimistic and ZK rollups, as well as unique AI-driven monitoring to detect potentially fraudulent transactions.

Zircuit's newly launched ZRC token is used for reward distributions and participation in fair token launches on the platform. 

ZRC is available on Bybit's Spot market as a USDT swap pair.

What Is the Zircuit Token (ZRC)?

Launched in November 2024, ZRC is the platform's native cryptocurrency. It's an ERC-20 asset deployed on both Zircuit and Ethereum Layer 1. ZRC is mainly used for reward distributions, and participation in token airdrops for ecosystem DApps. Currently, transaction fees on the network are paid in Ether. It's possible that, in the future, ZRC might be used for some transaction fee payments.

ZRC is also used for rewards under the Gas Rebate program. As users conduct transactions on the platform, they spend ETH for gas fees. Zircuit’s Gas Rebate program provides rebates to offset some of the incurred fees. The amount of ZRC earned as a rebate is proportional to the amount spent on gas in ETH; the project's documentation states that for each ETH spent on gas, the user earns 125% in ZRC. All kinds of gas fee payments qualify for the rebate, including ordinary asset transfers and transactions involving interaction with Zircuit DApps.

ZRC is a supply-capped token, with a maximum and total supply of 10 billion. The token's supply allocation shares are as follows:

21% — Airdrop & Community Rewards

13.08% — Community Provisions

17.93% — Ecosystem Development

18.7% — Foundation

18.74% — Team

10.55% — Investors

Where to Buy the Zircuit Token (ZRC)

The ZRC token is available on Bybit's Spot market as a swap pair with USDT (ZRC/USDT). You can also take advantage of the Token Splash event for ZRC to grab a share of the 5 million ZRC prize pool. New users who sign up for a Bybit account and complete identity verification can earn ZRC rewards by accumulating a deposit volume of at least 2,000 ZRC, or by depositing 100 USDT and trading 100 USDT worth of ZRC via their