As attention in Ethereum's Layer 2 (L2) ecosystem shifts towards zkEVM solutions, Cronos zkEVM, a novel zero-knowledge-powered blockchain, seeks to address performance and scaling challenges in modern decentralized finance (DeFi).
Although it has only been on the mainnet for a few weeks, it has already attracted tens of millions of dollars in liquidity and onboarded several mainstream decentralized applications (dApps).
GetBlock becomes the first commercial RPC node provider to start supporting Cronos zkEVM endpoints.
GetBlock offers pioneering Cronos zkEVM private RPC endpoints: Why is this important?
As more teams consider migrating to Cronos zkEVM, the demand for ready-made development solutions on this network continues to grow.
GetBlock, a leading RPC node provider, was one of the first platforms to offer support for private API endpoints on Cronos zkEVM. This means that teams no longer need to run their own Cronos zkEVM nodes, simplifying the development process.
Cronos zkEVM RPC endpoints are available in all of GetBlock’s packages, both free and paid. To obtain an API address, users simply need to sign up using Google, GitHub, or MetaMask, navigate to the dashboard, select Cronos zkEVM, and retrieve the mainnet endpoint address.
Image by GetBlock
Developers can then use this RPC address instead of public or self-hosted nodes. Additionally, it can be beneficial for regular wallet users interested in enhancing the privacy of their transactions.
GetBlock’s vision aligns with that of Cronos zkEVM, one of the most advanced technologies aimed at expanding Ethereum's capabilities. Cronos’ first ZK network offers a new level of cost-efficiency, speed, and security for all types of dApps, while exploring the untapped potential of zero-knowledge technology.
Introducing Cronos zkEVM: A brainchild of Ethereum innovators
Launched in late Q4 2023, Cronos zkEVM is the latest addition to Cronos Labs' suite of EVM networks. As the Web3 accelerator behind the Cronos ecosystem, Cronos Labs designed this novel zkEVM blockchain to complement the existing Cronos PoS and Cronos EVM blockchains, which together boast over $6 billion in total value locked (TVL).
Image by Cronos zkEVM
At its core, Cronos zkEVM is a Layer 2 (L2) Ethereum rollup that leverages zero-knowledge (ZK) technology to bundle transaction data and verify it on Ethereum’s Layer 1 (L1), providing both scalability and security.
Cronos zkEVM was developed in collaboration with leading engineering teams from Matter Labs, creators of zkSync, as well as Crypto.com, VVS Finance, Fulcrom Finance, and Veno Finance. The result is a high-performance scaling protocol built to address Ethereum's growing need for efficiency and low-cost transactions.
Technically, Cronos zkEVM operates as a Validium rollup, built on ZK Stack—a powerful, open-source framework that enables the creation of secure and fully EVM-compatible Layer 2 blockchains. The network leverages its own token ZKCRO as a gas currency.
The network launched its testnet on December 23, 2023, followed by the Alpha Mainnet in mid-August 2024. Benefiting from the established Cronos and Crypto.com ecosystems (#CROFam), Cronos zkEVM has seen rapid adoption and growth, with many decentralized applications (dApps) already taking advantage of its efficient, cost-effective infrastructure.
Cronos zkEVM DeFis hit first TVL milestones
Although still in its early stages, Cronos zkEVM has already established a comprehensive development ecosystem, including native bridges for value transfer, detailed documentation, a dApp development portal, full node management guides, and more.
As a result, the process of onboarding new dApps gained significant momentum in Q4 2024. According to L2Beat, the total value locked (TVL) of Cronos zkEVM applications has surpassed $26 million, despite Ether's underwhelming market performance.
Image by L2Beat
DefiLlama reports that H2 Finance, a decentralized exchange (DEX), is currently the largest Cronos zkEVM dApp by TVL, with over $11 million locked. Veno Finance, Amply Finance, and Fulcrom have also each exceeded $1 million in TVL.
Network activity is robust, with aggregated daily transaction value surpassing $500,000, according to recent data.
