Chakra
A Bitcoin restaking protocol based on zero-knowledge proofs
Performances
Comparison
Details
This content is generated by RD AI and is for reference only
Chakra is a Bitcoin restaking protocol based on zero-knowledge proofs. It uses STARK technology to verify staking events on the Bitcoin mainnet and generate verifiable proofs on Layer 2 chains, enabling secure Bitcoin restaking without relying on centralized custody. Users can stake BTC into Chakra and receive liquid tokens representing staking rights, which can be used in other DeFi applications. The staked BTC can be utilized to secure other networks or applications and generate corresponding yields. Chakra adopts a modular design, supporting composition with different execution layers and data availability layers to enhance interoperability and capital efficiency in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Follow Updates
Follow Lists
People
About Chakra
Chakra is a Bitcoin restaking protocol built on zero-knowledge proofs, designed to unlock the liquidity of idle BTC. Its core mechanism allows users to lock BTC in a non-custodial manner through time-locked scripts, while generating verifiable staking proofs via ZK-STARK technology. These proofs enable BTC to be securely used across multiple chains without bridging or wrapping, addressing the long-standing issue of Bitcoin's low capital efficiency.
Chakra's competitive edge lies in its trustless design: staking proofs are verified off-chain, eliminating reliance on third-party custodians and reducing counterparty risks. This allows BTC holders to participate in DeFi, AI, gaming, and Layer 2 consensus while maintaining full control of their assets. The protocol effectively solves the dilemma where Bitcoin holders previously had to choose between security and yield.
Over the past six months, Chakra has made significant progress. Its testnet entered Phase 3, introducing a joint staking campaign with Babylon that attracted substantial participation despite limited quotas. The mainnet was launched in June 2025, followed by the release of stBTC, a liquid staking token enabling cross-ecosystem DeFi integration. The protocol also expanded partnerships across multiple chains, including Ethereum and Solana, and introduced a decentralized validator network to enhance security. However, criticisms remain regarding the complexity of the staking process and the limited scalability of ZK proof generation for high-throughput scenarios.
Chakra, a ZK-proof-based Bitcoin restaking protocol, has achieved several milestones with long-term significance. In 2024, it announced a strategic partnership with Babylon to jointly build a more secure and reliable Bitcoin liquidity ecosystem, enabling BTC staked via Babylon to be efficiently mapped across ecosystems using ZK-STARK proofs and light clients. In June 2024, Chakra launched Phase 2 of its testnet, allowing users to stake Signet BTC on either Chakra or Babylon platforms, with dual rewards and a 448-day staking period, marking a practical step toward cross-platform restaking. Additionally, Chakra contributed to research on BIP-327 MuSig2 applications, exploring its use in inscriptions, Bitcoin restaking, BitVM co-signing, and digital asset custody, which underpins its technical roadmap for scalable and secure restaking solutions.
As a Web3 data analyst, based on official sources, Chakra's recent progress and roadmap are as follows:
Chakra, a Bitcoin restaking protocol based on ZK proofs, has continued to strengthen its position as a leading finality provider within the Babylon ecosystem. Its core focus remains on enabling secure, self-custodial Bitcoin staking through STARK-based proofs, which allow staking events to be verified without relying on trusted setups.
Key developments in the past six months include the expansion of its modular settlement layer, designed to unify liquidity across Bitcoin Layer 2 networks. This addresses the fragmentation issue where BTC mapped on one L2 cannot freely move to another, reducing the need for lengthy withdrawal and re-deposit cycles.
Looking ahead, Chakra's official roadmap emphasizes the launch of its mainnet, with a focus on delivering staked BTC derivatives (stBTC) to unlock DeFi opportunities. The protocol aims to bootstrap new Bitcoin L2s by allowing stakers to participate in consensus and governance, while also providing a secure foundation for AI, gaming, and other applications.
Future priorities include enhancing cross-L2 interoperability, expanding the range of yield-generating services, and maintaining a trust-minimized environment through continuous ZK-proof optimization. The team remains committed to its mission of unlocking Bitcoin's $1 trillion+ capital efficiency without compromising security.
Chakra (ZK-proof-based Bitcoin restaking protocol) co-founders and core executives:
Luke Wang (Luke Guolong Wang): Founder & CEO. Leads the ZK-proof-based Bitcoin restaking protocol and modular settlement network, and represented the project at events such as the Bitcoin Eco-Summit. Twitter: https://x.com/LukeGLW
Jingyi (Twitter: https://x.com/SulaXyz): Co-founder. According to public sources, she previously served as Partner at Fenbushi Capital and Investment Manager at CICC, and currently holds a core management role at Chakra (listed as COO/Co-CEO on LinkedIn).