They have refined "zero-knowledge" into a universal key, claiming it can unlock all on-chain locks, yet they did not expect the key to grow larger with wear, while the hole becomes smaller and smaller—universal, or universally difficult?

However, practice has shown that this "large and comprehensive" approach often leads to inefficiency and scalability issues. Thus, a new direction is emerging—modular zkVM. The Pico v1.0 launched by Brevis @brevis_zk is a representative of this trend.
In simple terms, Pico is not a "universal machine," but a "assembly workshop."
It splits zkVM into multiple independent modules, allowing developers to freely choose the necessary functions like building blocks and remove the unnecessary parts.

➤Pico's core idea: to拆开重做 zkVM
Pico's design philosophy is very straightforward - "everything can be modular."
It is mainly divided into three layers of structure:

1) Execution Module: Supports different proof systems, such as STARK, SNARK, or a combination of both. Developers can switch freely based on performance and security requirements.

2) Context Environment Module: Defines data structures, state management, and the logic for interacting with the blockchain. It serves as the "brain" of the system, determining how it communicates with the outside world.

3) Extension Plugin Layer: Supports developers to customize operators or integrate exclusive protocols, such as acceleration for game logic, AI computations, or off-chain data proofs.
For example, a DEX may only require a proof module for state updates and price calculations, while a blockchain game is more concerned with parallel execution efficiency and support for complex logic.

➤Different route from mainstream zkVMs
Currently, the commonly seen zkVMs in the market each have their pros and cons:
Risc Zero: Based on a general-purpose CPU architecture, highly compatible, but the system is large and starts slowly.

SP1 (Succinct): Designed to be minimalistic, suitable for recursive proofs, but not flexible enough.

ZKWasm: Reuses the WebAssembly ecosystem, fully functional but with a high learning cost and large resource consumption.

Pico has chosen a middle path: instead of pursuing generality, it provides structured "building templates."
Developers can choose to prove the backend, accelerate circuits and workflows, and customize a zkVM that serves only their own business.

➤ The real value brought by modularization

The general zkVM sounds powerful, but it often slows down the pace in practical implementation.
Because it requires a longer adaptation period, more complex deployment, and more computing power resources.
Modular zkVMs like Pico offer significant advantages on three levels:
>> More controllable costs: Developers can use modules on demand, saving computing and deployment resources.
>> Develop faster: There is no need to rebuild the entire proof system; a runnable environment can be assembled in just a few days.
>> Easier maintenance: Modules can be upgraded or replaced individually, avoiding system-level crashes.
>> More open ecosystem: The plug-in structure facilitates the integration of external protocols, off-chain computations, or AI modules.
This is particularly friendly for DApps that require quick verification of off-chain data. For example, on-chain identity verification, cross-chain settlement, and AI inference results on-chain, Pico can provide lightweight and customized proof support.

➤From "small components" to "new paradigm"
Don't be fooled by the fact that Pico is just a "small component" in the ZK world; its significance is quite large.
It transforms zkVM from a "closed black box" into an "open building block," allowing developers to truly take control.
The future zk execution environment does not need to be large and comprehensive, but rather provide just the right computing power for each type of application.
@brevis_zk's Pico is making this a reality.
After the era of general zkVM, perhaps modular zkVM is the true mature form of ZK technology.
It does not seek to cover everything, but rather to ensure that each application has the most suitable computing engine.

This is the design philosophy behind Pico:
Make complexity manageable and allow zero-knowledge proofs to become truly practical.
#Brevis #KAITO

@brevis_zk

@KaitoAI