A long-standing project in the Bitcoin ecosystem is progressing towards facilitating the development of layer-2 networks by utilizing its computational architecture.
Rootstock is among several initiatives aimed at enhancing utility and interoperability for Bitcoin, achieving this through “BitVMX,” a custom adaptation of the BitVM programming language.
According to founder Sergio Lerner, the Rootstock project is just a few weeks away from launching software development kits (SDKs) that will empower developers to create their own Bitcoin layer-2 solutions using BitVMX.
SDKs are collections of tools that allow third-party developers to create applications within a specific platform or framework.
“We are nearing the point where everything will be in place for individuals to start constructing their own solutions utilizing BitVMX,” Lerner shared in an interview.
Rootstock’s BitVMX initiative builds upon the BitVM model introduced by Robin Linus in 2023, proposing a method to construct Ethereum-like smart contracts on Bitcoin. This could significantly enhance Bitcoin’s scalability by enabling the creation of quicker, layer-2 networks with functionalities similar to those on Ethereum and other blockchain platforms.
BitVMX Platform
In collaboration with BitVMX contributors Fairgate, RootstockLabs made substantial headway last year by verifying a zero-knowledge SNARK (Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) using BitVMX, a crucial component in cryptography for many blockchain technologies.
Lerner believes that making these tools available for other developers to further investigate will foster competition and subsequently boost adoption.
“There’s a distinction between a product and a platform: a product is typically closed while a platform allows easy integration and the development of new ideas,” he emphasized.
“BitVMX is evolving into a platform, which will lead to increased competition: rollups and sidechains will vie against one another, and those that can identify valuable use cases for their tools will succeed.”
Lerner, a programmer based in Buenos Aires, is recognized for his early Bitcoin research and later contributions to Ethereum development.
He expressed concerns that Bitcoin might not achieve its intended role as “money for the people” if it remains exclusively a store of value.
“If Bitcoin primarily flows into ETFs, it will fall under the control of financial institutions, and what we know as Bitcoin could diminish,” he noted.
“Thus, it’s essential for us to engage in Bitcoin transactions and self-custody our BTC. We believe that creating additional layers for Bitcoin aligns with this vision, particularly through the BitVM protocols, especially BitVMX.”
BitVMX Force
An alliance has been formed among RootstockLabs, Fairgate, and Input | Output (IO), a blockchain infrastructure engineering firm, to enhance Bitcoin’s utility via BitVMX.
The newly established “BitVMX Force” will prioritize standardization and protocol upgrades to facilitate future Bitcoin soft-forks and infrastructure upgrades as they happen, according to an announcement shared via email.
“Both Rootstock and IO are advancing their own projects: Rootstock is developing Union, a bridge connecting Bitcoin and Rootstock using BitVMX, while IO is working on a project to transfer assets between Bitcoin and Cardano,” explained Fairgate CEO Jonatan Altszul.
“Fairgate is also advocating this technology, and we felt that together we would have enhanced capabilities, greater strength, and the ability to cultivate a larger community.”