Aztec Network
Aztec is a privacy-first Layer 2 blockchain on Ethereum enabling fully private smart contracts with programmable, composable, and decentralized privacy.
Overview
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.
The Problem
Current blockchain systems lack true end-to-end privacy, exposing transaction details, user identities, and smart contract logic publicly. This transparency limits real-world adoption, especially for institutions and users requiring confidentiality. Existing privacy solutions often only cover transfers or identities but fail to protect computation or enable fully private decentralized applications.
The Solution
Key Features
Private Smart Contracts
Smart contracts with selective privacy for functions, state, and interactions, enabling private DeFi, NFTs, and identity.
Client-Side Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Proofs are generated on users’ devices, keeping sensitive data off-chain and private.
Noir Programming Language
A Rust-like DSL designed for writing zero-knowledge applications with ease.
Key Strengths
How Developers Use Aztec Network
Private Decentralized Finance
Build DeFi protocols where user identities, transaction amounts, and strategies remain confidential, preventing front-running and preserving competitive advantage.
Institutional Private Trading
Enable private over-the-counter (OTC) trading desks with non-custodial escrow contracts and atomic swaps that keep trade details and counterparties hidden.
Selective Disclosure Identity
Create identity solutions that allow users to prove attributes like age or nationality on-chain without revealing full identity, supporting compliance and privacy.
Works Well With
Ethereum
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Free RPC across 76+ chains. Spin up an endpoint in under 30 seconds.
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Pricing
Public Network Access | |
|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | Free |
| Price (Annual) | Free |
| Messaging | N/A |
| Support | Community support via Discord and GitHub |
| Analytics |
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Resources
Aztec provides extensive developer resources including detailed documentation, a Rust-like DSL called Noir for zero-knowledge programming, open-source SDKs, testnet access, and active community channels on Discord and GitHub.