by Aztec Protocol
Quick Fact
Aztec is pioneering zk-encrypted smart contracts, enabling both privacy and composability in a single Ethereum-compatible rollup.
Aztec Network is a privacy-focused Layer 2 rollup designed to bring private programmable smart contracts to Ethereum. It uses zkSNARKs (zero-knowledge succinct non-interactive arguments of knowledge) to allow users to execute encrypted transactions and smart contract logic—making it the first rollup to offer default privacy without compromising composability.
Unlike traditional zero-knowledge systems that focus on basic transfers, Aztec enables programmable privacy, allowing developers to write smart contracts that maintain encrypted state while preserving auditability and correctness. The system is being rebuilt into a next-generation platform called Aztec.nr, a custom language and VM designed for writing private applications using zk proofs.
Aztec batches private transactions into zk rollups and settles them on Ethereum. All assets remain Ethereum-native and bridge directly to and from L1, while user balances, contract states, and transaction metadata are encrypted. The protocol can support private DeFi, anonymous DAOs, encrypted voting, and stealth payments—all integrated into Ethereum’s broader ecosystem.