Key Points
- Joe Lubin says Ethereum could become fully zero-knowledge-based within 3 to 5 years.
- Lean Ethereum proposal targets 10,000+ TPS through native ZK verification at Layer 1.
Joseph Lubin, CEO of Consensys and co-founder of Ethereum, stated that the network could transition to a fully zero-knowledge (ZK) proof-based protocol within three to five years.
He linked this outlook to the “Lean Ethereum” proposal by Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake, which envisions native ZK verification at Layer 1 and throughput exceeding 10,000 transactions per second.
Lubin’s comments come as Ethereum’s mainnet continues to experience throughput constraints and as discussions evolve around the long-term role of Layer 2 networks.
Vitalik Buterin has indicated that many rollups have effectively functioned as “branded shards,” prompting renewed focus on strengthening Layer 1 architecture.
ZK Integration and the Convergence Strategy
Lubin described the rollup-centric roadmap introduced around 2020–2021 as a deliberate “divergence phase,” designed to shift execution to Layer 2 networks while zero-knowledge technology matured.
Networks such as Linea and Gnosis have implemented ZK proofs in production, allowing experimentation before deeper Layer 1 integration.
The proposed “convergence phase” would bring advanced ZK capabilities back to mainnet, enabling synchronous composability and reducing reliance on bridges between layers.
Under this model, distinctions between Layer 1 and Layer 2 could narrow, with assets and liquidity operating in a more unified execution environment.
The Lean Ethereum proposal outlines a scalability target of over 10,000 TPS, representing a significant increase over current mainnet capacity.
Some reports have referenced a phased rollout beginning with an optional validator stage followed by a broader transition, though certain timeline specifics have not been formally confirmed by the Ethereum Foundation.
What has been confirmed is the publication of plans for an optional Layer 1 zkEVM client as an initial step toward comprehensive ZK integration.
Lubin’s Consensys-developed Linea network currently runs ZK proofs in production, including experiments related to synchronous composability.
Gnosis contributors have also advanced models emphasizing shared execution contexts and closer integration between Layer 1 and Layer 2 systems.
Questions remain regarding the time required for auditing, formal verification, and maintaining client diversity before mandatory zkEVM verification could be embedded at the consensus layer.
Lubin also addressed the Ethereum Foundation’s organizational direction, stating that the foundation will not be replaced but may see specialized groups emerge with defined mandates.
These groups would focus on core protocol development, usability and scalability initiatives, and institutional engagement as part of preparations for a ZK-focused transition.
