Polygon Labs unveils plans for Stage 2 Beta of zkEVM, promises DeFi surge

Polygon zkEVM, a prominent player in the Ethereum Layer 2 space, is entering an exciting new phase of its development with the launch of Stage 2 Beta. This move is expected to invigorate DApp growth and DeFi activity within the Polygon ecosystem.

After months of dedicated work on security, scaling, and infrastructure, Polygon Labs is eager to push Polygon zkEVM into its next stage of development. Polygon Labs DeFi lead, Jack Melnick, announced this development on January 6, heralding it as the beginning of “DeFi season.” This much-anticipated stage, referred to as “Stage 2 Beta,” is a critical step in the evolution of Polygon zkEVM.

What to expect in Stage 2 Beta

The Stage 2 Beta of Polygon zkEVM is set to span over two months and promises to bring multiple projects onboard. These projects will play a pivotal role in expanding the DeFi landscape within the Polygon network. It’s estimated that approximately 30 to 50 projects will be rolled out during this period. Developers will also focus on enhancing the network’s throughput through a client upgrade, a technical advancement that is bound to elevate its performance.

Following the client upgrade in Stage 2 Beta, Polygon zkEVM has its sights set on Stage 3, scheduled for March 2024. This phase will see the launch of various campaigns aimed at boosting engagement on the protocol, indicating the project’s commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem.

Polygon zkEVM’s role in the multichain ecosystem

Polygon zkEVM is poised to play a significant role in the broader Polygon multichain ecosystem. As the Polygon PoS chain transitions into a zkEVM validium chain, Polygon zkEVM will emerge as the hub for DeFi activities within the envisioned interoperable Polygon network of ZK Layer 2 chains.

One of its key strengths lies in being a full rollup, offering DeFi protocols enhanced security guarantees. Meanwhile, the zkEVM validium chain will serve as the foundation for payments and gaming applications, prioritizing faster and more cost-effective transactions, albeit at the expense of some security guarantees.

While Polygon zkEVM is making strides in the Ethereum Layer 2 arena, it faces stiff competition from projects like Arbitrum One and zkSync Era. These competitors have gained significant traction in terms of activity and adoption, posing a challenge that Polygon zkEVM aims to address with its upcoming DeFi-focused efforts.

Polygon zkEVM has been working diligently to catch up with rollups like Arbitrum One and zkSync Era in terms of activity and adoption. The strategic move to bolster DeFi activity is expected to bring a transformative shift in the Ethereum Layer 2 space.

Overall, Polygon zkEVM’s Stage 2 Beta marks a crucial phase in its journey to enhance DApp growth and DeFi activity. With ambitious plans to onboard numerous projects and improve network throughput, Polygon zkEVM is poised to make significant strides in the Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem. As it competes with other prominent solutions, the crypto community eagerly awaits the impact of these developments on the broader blockchain landscape.

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