Overview
Aligned Layer is a specialized infrastructure protocol that provides fast, cheap verification of zero-knowledge proofs from any proving system. Built as an EigenLayer AVS (Actively Validated Service), Aligned creates a decentralized network of verifiers that can validate ZK proofs much more cheaply than verifying them directly on Ethereum L1.
The core problem Aligned solves: verifying ZK proofs on Ethereum is expensive. Each proof verification consumes significant gas, and different proof systems (Groth16, PLONK, STARKs, etc.) require different verification contracts. Aligned aggregates proof verification into a single service, batching multiple proofs together and using EigenLayer's restaked security for economic guarantees. This reduces per-proof verification costs dramatically.
The protocol is relevant for any application that generates ZK proofs — zkRollups, ZK bridges, privacy protocols, ZK identity systems, and more. As the ZK ecosystem grows, the demand for affordable proof verification increases proportionally.
Technology
Aligned's architecture receives ZK proofs from any proving system, verifies them through a decentralized network of operators (secured by EigenLayer restaking), and posts aggregated verification results to Ethereum. The protocol supports multiple proof systems: Groth16 (used by many zkSNARK applications), PLONK (versatile SNARK system), STARKs (transparent setup, used by StarkWare), and others.
The verification network batches multiple proofs for amortized verification costs — rather than each proof paying full Ethereum verification gas, Aligned combines many proofs into a single batch verification. The EigenLayer restaking provides economic security: operators stake ETH that can be slashed if they attest to invalid verifications.
Security
Security combines cryptographic verification (operators actually run ZK proof verification algorithms) with economic security (EigenLayer slashing deters dishonest attestation). The dual model provides both mathematical correctness (from actual verification) and economic deterrent (from slashing risk). However, the system is only as secure as its implementation — bugs in the verification software could lead to accepting invalid proofs.
Decentralization
The operator network is open to any EigenLayer restaker who runs Aligned's verification software. The decentralization of the network depends on operator diversity and participation, which is growing. Protocol governance and development are team-controlled at this stage.
Adoption
Adoption is early. The protocol has attracted ZK application developers interested in reducing verification costs, and several zkRollup and ZK application teams have integrated or explored integration. The addressable market grows with every new ZK application, but the ZK ecosystem itself is still maturing. Current fee revenue is minimal.
Tokenomics
Token details are developing, focused on governance and protocol fees. The fee model charges for proof verification, with costs depending on proof type and batch sizes. Pre-revenue status means the economic model is unproven. Token value depends on the ZK ecosystem generating sufficient verification demand to support meaningful fee revenue.
Risk Factors
- Pre-revenue: Minimal fee income from current usage
- ZK ecosystem dependency: Value tied to growth of the broader ZK ecosystem
- EigenLayer dependency: Security model relies on EigenLayer functioning correctly
- Competition: Ethereum L1 verification costs may decrease, reducing Aligned's value proposition
- Technical risk: Verification software bugs could have severe consequences
- Market timing: ZK adoption may take longer than expected
Conclusion
Aligned Layer addresses a clear need in the growing ZK ecosystem — affordable, universal proof verification. As more applications generate ZK proofs, the demand for cost-effective verification infrastructure will grow. The EigenLayer-native approach provides economic security without requiring a new validator set.
The 4.3 score reflects promising infrastructure in a pre-revenue state. Aligned's value proposition is entirely dependent on the ZK ecosystem's growth — if ZK applications proliferate as expected, proof verification becomes essential infrastructure. The risk is that ZK adoption timelines are slower than projected or that Ethereum L1 verification costs decrease enough to make Aligned unnecessary.