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Space and Time

4.6/10

Verifiable compute layer with ZK-proven SQL queries — genuinely novel cryptography backed by Microsoft.

Updated: February 16, 2026AI Model: claude-4-opusVersion 1

Overview

Space and Time (SxT) is a verifiable compute layer enabling smart contracts to query on-chain and off-chain data with cryptographic proof of correctness. The core innovation is "Proof of SQL" — a ZK proof protocol generating cryptographic proof that a SQL query executed correctly against untampered data. Founded by Nate Holiday and Scott Dykstra, SxT raised over $40M from Microsoft's M12, Framework Ventures, and DCG. The Microsoft partnership includes Azure marketplace integration — rare enterprise distribution for crypto projects.

The thesis: smart contracts can't access data beyond their chain without trusting oracles. SxT enables trustless data processing — a smart contract can query a database and receive mathematically proven results. This unlocks DeFi risk engines, verifiable leaderboards, and auditable enterprise data pipelines.

Technology

Proof of SQL

SxT's core innovation — a ZK proof scheme for SQL query verification. When a query executes against the SxT data warehouse, a SNARK proof is generated proving data integrity, correct execution, and result accuracy. The proof is verifiable on-chain by smart contracts. Generated in parallel with execution for minimal latency. Uses novel inner product arguments and polynomial commitments optimized for relational operations — genuinely new cryptography, not repackaged ZK tech.

Data Warehouse & Integration

A decentralized data warehouse indexing on-chain data from Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, Sui, and others, with off-chain data ingestion. Standard SQL support makes it accessible to any developer. Cryptographic commitment prevents tampering. Query performance is competitive with centralized warehouses. Smart contract integrations on major chains, Azure integration for enterprise, and SDKs for TypeScript/Python.

Network

Validator nodes process queries and generate proofs. The set is currently team-managed with a roadmap for permissionless validation. Infrastructure is a pragmatic hybrid of Azure-hosted (reliability) and validator-operated (decentralization) components. Current capacity supports millions of daily queries with near-real-time data freshness across major blockchains.

Adoption

Notable partnerships with Chainlink, Polygon, and Sui, plus enterprise clients via Azure. Microsoft relationship provides access to enterprise customers. DeFi analytics, blockchain indexing (SQL alternative to The Graph), gaming, and enterprise data pipelines are primary use cases. The Proof of SQL protocol is a genuine technical moat — no other project offers trustless SQL verification.

Tokenomics

SxT token used for staking (validators), payment (query fees), and governance. Every query requires token payment; validators must stake. As query volume grows, token demand should follow. Azure integration could drive significant enterprise volume. However, enterprises may prefer fiat pricing, and current utility-driven demand is limited at this stage.

Decentralization

Early-stage. Data warehouse has centralized components (Azure). Validator network expanding but not yet permissionless. Team maintains significant control over development and infrastructure. Data integrity is cryptographically guaranteed — committed data can't be tampered without detection, providing trustless verification even with partial centralization.

Risk Factors

  • Early adoption: Query volume and revenue still ramping; needs significantly more usage
  • Centralization: Significant centralized components; decentralization roadmap is aspirational
  • Enterprise sales cycle: Azure integration is valuable but enterprise adoption is slow
  • Competition: Chainlink, The Graph, and new ZK projects could encroach
  • Cryptographic novelty: Novel crypto needs extensive peer review and battle-testing
  • Token dependency: Value depends on query volume growth not yet materialized at scale

Conclusion

Space and Time stands out for genuinely novel technology. Proof of SQL is a real cryptographic protocol enabling a unique capability: trustless SQL result verification. Combined with Microsoft backing and Azure integration, SxT has a credible enterprise path. The technology is real, the team is strong, and the backing is institutional-grade.

The challenge is translating novelty into usage. The data warehouse needs more coverage, validators need to decentralize, and query volume must grow by orders of magnitude. The score reflects strong technology offset by early adoption and centralization. One of the more compelling verifiable compute projects — worth close attention as the space matures.

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