Ethereum Layer 2 Optimism is partnering with Succinct to provide ZK proving to its broader ecosystem called the superchain. This collaboration means that zero-knowledge (ZK) validity proofs will become the official and standard way to verify transactions on the OP Stack, the technology used by Optimism for building the Layer 2 blockchain.
The partnership explained
With this integration, Succinct’s technology will cover around 90% of the rollup market, because many rollups are already built using the OP Stack.
Currently, OP Stack chains mainly rely on optimistic rollups, which assume transactions are valid unless challenged. With ZK validity proofs, transactions are verified on-chain before they are finalized. This helps in establishing verified, efficient, and same-day transactions.
“We’re honored to partner with Optimism to bring ZK to the Superchain, starting with OP Mainnet. As rollups consolidate around ZK, Succinct is building the proving infrastructure the ecosystem can rely on,” said Uma Roy, CEO and co-founder of Succinct.
What could this alliance potentially unlock?
The partnership will provide custody providers with the ability to move client assets without the typical week-long fund lock-ups. The challenge period for withdrawing funds from layer 2 to Ethereum could take up to 7 days, during which the funds remain ‘locked up’ in this period.
This also ensures the capital efficiency across L2 positions for market makers, reducing idle funds or faster finality for assets in transactions. With ZK-proof, treasury operations that move large sums of funds can be as simple as a traditional financial system, according to Optimism.
“We’re excited to bring validity proofs to the Superchain as we focus on rapid, cost-effective scaling for Optimism and our partners in 2026 and beyond,” said Karl Floersch, co-founder of Optimism, in their official announcement.
Succinct secures billions as Optimism expands
Succinct ZK proof systems move beyond experimental tech, currently securing billions of dollars in on-chain value across multiple protocols, including Mantle, Taiko, Morph, and Polygon.
Optimism is not committing to just one proof system. Instead, it has a multi-proof strategy in mind, and the partnership adds value to it. This way, different OP Stack chains can choose different proving systems that suit their needs.
