Aztec Network

Aztec is a privacy-first Layer 2 (L2) blockchain built on Ethereum that enables developers to create fully private smart contracts and decentralized applications with programmable privacy. Unlike traditional transparent blockchains, Aztec provides optional privacy at multiple layers—transaction, identity, and computation—allowing developers to selectively hide inputs, outputs, user identities, and contract logic. This is achieved through a novel architecture that includes a private UTXO state tree, client-side zero-knowledge proof generation, and a new virtual machine (alt-VM) designed specifically for privacy. Aztec is not EVM compatible but extends Ethereum’s ecosystem by enabling privacy-preserving applications that are composable and decentralized from day one.

Aztec’s core innovation is its "private world computer" concept, which goes beyond existing privacy solutions that only protect transfers or identities. It supports private smart contracts where developers can designate which functions and data remain private or public. The network is secured and governed by a decentralized set of node operators, sequencers, and provers, ensuring no central party can compromise privacy. Aztec’s Rust-like domain-specific language, Noir, simplifies coding private applications by providing familiar syntax and tooling for zero-knowledge programming.

Aztec is designed for developers building private DeFi protocols, institutional-grade private trading platforms, compliant asset tokenization, and privacy-preserving identity solutions. Notable projects on Aztec include AzguardWallet (a private browser extension wallet), NemiDeFi (a private decentralized exchange), Raven HouseNFT (a private NFT platform), and ZKPassport (a selective disclosure identity system). Aztec also supports cross-chain composability and client-side proofs to keep sensitive data off-chain. Developers can get started by exploring the open-source SDK, running nodes, or deploying private contracts on the testnet with comprehensive documentation and community support available.