Prooflab Research Preview showcases sample technical analyses of leading zero-knowledge virtual machines (zkVMs). This preview repository contains 4 comprehensive evaluation reports demonstrating our research methodology and depth of analysis.

• Source Code Analysis: Every report is based on direct examination of source code, not marketing materials
• Standardized Framework: 50+ evaluation criteria applied consistently across all systems
• Technical Depth: Detailed analysis of proof systems, constraint systems, and implementation specifics
• Continuous Updates: Reports evolve with the rapidly changing zkVM landscape
• No Bias: Independent analysis with no vendor affiliations

This preview repository includes comprehensive evaluation reports for 4 leading zkVM systems:

• SP1 (Succinct Labs) - RISC-V zkVM with focus on performance optimization and precompiles
• RISC Zero - RISC-V zkVM with established ecosystem and recursive proof architecture

• Jolt (a16z crypto) - Novel "Just One Lookup Table" approach using sumcheck-based proving for RISC-V
• Ziren (ProjectZKM) - First MIPS32r2-based zkVM with area-minimized chip design and flexible proof generation

Each zkVM in our 4 preview reports is analyzed across multiple dimensions:

• Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) and extensions
• Memory model and segmentation approach
• Continuation and unbounded computation support
• Precompiles and cryptographic primitives

• Arithmetization scheme (AIR, Plonkish, R1CS)
• Field choice and efficiency implications
• Commitment schemes and hash functions
• Trusted setup requirements
• Post-quantum security considerations

• Hardware acceleration (GPU/CPU optimizations)
• Memory requirements
• Proof generation time benchmarks
• Verification costs (on-chain gas estimates)
• Parallelization capabilities

• Development status and maturity
• Security audit status
• API stability
• Documentation quality
• Toolchain support

• Supported languages and compilers
• Debugging capabilities
• Integration examples
• Community and support

This is a preview repository showcasing sample reports from our comprehensive zkVM research. The full Prooflab Research suite includes:

• 28+ zkVM evaluation reports
• Comprehensive comparison matrix with 50+ standardized metrics
• Continuous updates and new system coverage
• Deep technical analysis across all major zkVM implementations

1. Explore the Reports: Review the 4 available preview reports to understand our analysis depth
2. Deep Dive: Each report includes detailed sections on "How It Works", "Performance Characteristics", and "Production Readiness"
3. Full Access: Contact us for access to the complete research suite with 28+ zkVM reports

1. Sample Analysis: Review the 4 preview reports to understand our evaluation methodology
2. Technical Due Diligence: Each report provides deep technical differentiation analysis
3. Full Coverage: Access to all 28+ reports available through partnership

1. State of the Art: Compare proof systems and arithmetization approaches
2. Innovation Areas: Identify gaps in current implementations
3. Technical References: Each report includes extensive footnotes to source code

Each of the 4 preview evaluation reports follows a consistent structure:

1. Basic Information
   - Team, version, repositories, licensing
   
2. Technical Overview
   - How It Works (detailed technical explanation)
   - Key differentiators
   
3. Architecture
   - ISA and extensions
   - Memory model
   - Optimization features
   
4. Proof System
   - Framework and backends
   - Field arithmetic
   - Commitment schemes
   
5. Performance Characteristics
   - Hardware requirements
   - Benchmark results
   - Optimization strategies
   
6. Developer Experience
   - Toolchain and languages
   - Documentation
   - Debugging support
   
7. Production Readiness
   - Security audits
   - Deployment examples
   - Known limitations

This preview repository demonstrates our research methodology with 4 comprehensive zkVM evaluation reports. The full Prooflab Research suite is continuously updated to reflect:

• New version releases
• Performance improvements
• Security updates
• Architecture changes
• Ecosystem developments

For this preview repository, we welcome:

• Corrections: Open an issue for factual errors in the 4 preview reports
• Feedback: Share your experience using these sample reports
• Full Access: Contact us to access the complete research suite with 28+ zkVM evaluations

• Twitter: @TheProofLab - DM for inquiries
• Website: prooflab.dev

This preview showcases 4 of our 28+ comprehensive zkVM evaluations. For full access:

• Complete zkVM coverage (28+ systems)
• Comparison matrix with 50+ metrics
• Custom evaluation criteria
• Priority system coverage
• Private briefings

Contact us →

© 2025 Prooflab. All rights reserved.

These preview reports are provided for evaluation purposes only. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Prooflab.

This research is provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, the zkVM landscape evolves rapidly. Always verify critical information with primary sources and conduct your own due diligence before making technical or investment decisions.