In a strategic move that could reshape the zero-knowledge proof landscape, Polygon co-founder Jordi Baylina has launched ZisK — an independent zkEVM development initiative spun off from Polygon Labs. The new venture emerges as Ethereum layer-2 solutions face intensifying competition to onboard traditional finance institutions.

Core Team Transition

Seven key developers from Polygon's zkEVM prover team will join Baylina at ZisK, bringing three years of collaborative experience. While focusing primarily on the new project, Baylina will maintain advisory ties with Polygon. The spin-off follows recent leadership changes at Polygon Foundation, where Sandeep Nailwal assumed CEO responsibilities after co-founder Mihailo Bjelic's departure.

Technical Breakthroughs

ZisK introduces a modular zkEVM stack supporting multiple programming languages including Rust, designed to overcome Ethereum's scalability limitations. ——This open-source solution could process transactions at 【10,000 TPS】 while maintaining Ethereum-level security—— according to early technical documents.

Industry Implications

The launch coincides with growing institutional interest in zero-knowledge technology, particularly for real-world asset tokenization. Major financial firms are reportedly evaluating custom L2 solutions, with projections suggesting 【$5 trillion】 in assets could migrate to blockchain networks by 2030.

Interestingly, ZisK's architecture differs from Polygon's AggLayer interoperability protocol, suggesting potential specialization in privacy-focused applications. The team's first production release is expected before Q4 2025, though exact timelines remain undisclosed.

Ecosystem Evolution

This development marks the third major restructuring in Polygon's ecosystem this year, following its 【$1 billion】 zk-rollup research initiative and partnership with several Asian central banks. Industry analysts note the moves reflect maturing segmentation in layer-2 infrastructure markets.

As of press time, Polygon's native token maintains its position among top 15 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, though price action showed minimal response to the spin-off news. The muted reaction suggests markets had priced in the leadership changes following Bjelic's June departure.