Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has introduced the GKR protocol, a new family of cryptographic proof systems designed to dramatically accelerate computations across ZK-EVMs and zk-ML environments.
Built for efficiency, GKR enables proof generation at unprecedented speeds by committing only to inputs and outputs, eliminating the need to verify every intermediate computation step.
A GKR tutorial:https://t.co/Oo7jraC4sy
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) October 20, 2025
A Breakthrough in Proof Performance
The GKR (Goldwasser–Kalai–Rothblum) approach is optimized for computations that use multiple low-degree layers and repeat similar operations, such as hashing and neural network inference. These are common structures in both cryptography and AI, where large-scale proofs must handle millions of operations simultaneously.
Unlike traditional proof systems like STARKs, which require commitments at every layer, GKR’s streamlined method focuses on endpoints, significantly cutting overhead. The result is much faster proof creation, particularly for ZK-EVMs and zk-ML models where computational demand is immense.
Efficiency Without Compromise
According to Buterin, GKR’s strength lies in its simplicity. It only commits to inputs and outputs, leveraging a structure of sum-check proofs to verify the steps in between. This structure makes it ideal for repetitive workloads like hashing (e.g., Poseidon) or neural layers, where patterns can be efficiently proven in parallel.
While GKR itself does not provide zero-knowledge privacy, it can be wrapped within ZK-SNARK or ZK-STARK systems to add confidentiality. The protocol’s design allows for high efficiency while maintaining full mathematical rigor in verifying correctness.
Why It Matters for Ethereum
Buterin emphasized that GKR represents a major leap forward for blockchain scalability and proof computation. By avoiding redundant commitments and focusing on end-to-end validation, GKR makes it possible to prove massive workloads quickly and at lower cost.
As Ethereum continues to evolve toward faster and more scalable zero-knowledge systems, GKR could become a core component powering next-generation proof-of-computation frameworks across both crypto and AI applications.
