Polyhedra Network, a blockchain project specializing in zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, released the first set of data from its new Proof Arena, a benchmarking platform designed to evaluate and compare different ZK provers. According to the team, "The data includes comparisons of provers from Polyhedra, Polygon, Linea and StarkWare – Expander, Plonky3, GNARK, Halo2 respectively. Results: the Expander prover is significantly faster in terms of proof generation time and peak memory; Plonky3 achieves stellar performance in terms of setup and verification time, and GNARK has the smallest proof size." [EDITOR'S NOTE: Please see our exclusive feature story on Proof Arena, published in July.)


Initial data results from Polyhedra's Proof Arena (Polyhedra)

Sui, a blockchain built around the Move smart-contracts programming language, has become the first layer-1 project to drop the outdated Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), and is now running Scion’s cutting-edge network architecture. According to the team: "The upgrade provides validators with a comprehensive defense against internet routing attacks that have caused significant downtime on other networks, making Sui even more secure. Implementing Scion enables fallback between networks, giving Sui resilience to network hijacking and DDoS attacks. Validators maintain consensus during attacks, improving epoch rewards. Full nodes benefit from better state sync, avoiding bottlenecks and retry delays." (SUI)


Poland's second-largest bank, Bank Pekao S.A., has partnered with Aleph Zero to launch Archiv3, "a project to tokenize and preserve renowned Polish artworks," according to the team: "Using Aleph Zero's eco-friendly blockchain, digital reproductions of masterpieces by artists like Jan Matejko and Stanisław Wyspiański have been minted as NFTs and stored in the Arctic World Archive for long-term preservation. This marks the first use of blockchain to safeguard historical art in the AWA, combining technological innovation with cultural preservation."


Screen grab from a demo video for the Archiv3 project (Archiv3)

Taurus, a digital asset-platform to custody, issue and manage cryptocurrencies, and Chainlink Labs, a blockchain oracle developer, announced a collaboration to accelerate tokenized asset adoption by financial institutions. According to the team: "Taurus will use Chainlink to enrich tokenized assets with offchain data and enable cross-chain interoperability. This includes integrating Chainlink Data Feeds, Proof of Reserve and CCIP. The collaboration aims to accelerate time-to-market for tokenized assets, increase liquidity and enhance cross-chain security."


Key Difference Labs, a venture capital firm, is partnering with Lisk, an Ethereum layer-2 project, to launch the Lisk Pioneer Program, an incubator program for projects looking to build on the Lisk blockchain. According to the team: "Benefits Include Funding: $100,000 per project (total of 20 projects); Mentorship: Guidance from industry leaders with a proven track record; and Exposure: Access to events, marketing support, and networking opportunities. This program is a four-month go-to-market process. Startups will receive expert guidance on tokenomics, raising capital, partnerships, community growth, and assistance with exchange listings."


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