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Manta Network is a dynamic multi-modular ecosystem designed to revolutionize the world of zero-knowledge (ZK) applications. Within this innovative ecosystem, two distinctive networks, Manta Pacific and Manta Atlantic, stand out, each catering to specific needs and bringing unique capabilities to the table.
Manta Network Products
Manta Pacific: Manta Pacific is a special system that works with Ethereum and is designed for applications that use a technology called ZK. It makes it easier and cheaper to use ZK applications on Ethereum, especially those written in a language called Solidity. Manta Pacific makes ZK technology work better and be more accessible on Ethereum.
Manta Atlantic: Manta Atlantic is the fastest type of technology on Polkadot, another blockchain platform. It has some cool features like programmable identities and credentials using something called zkSBTs. This makes web3 applications better and transactions faster and safer. Manta Atlantic helps make web3 development more exciting and advanced.
(Image Source: https://manta.network/)
Together, Manta Pacific and Manta Atlantic unite to deliver an unparalleled experience for the next generation of web3 application development. By harnessing the power of zero-knowledge cryptography, Manta Network empowers developers and users alike to explore new horizons in the decentralized world. According to its official website, Manta has a total TVL of $1.54 Billion, incorporating 196 projects in its ecosystem, including payment platforms, bridges, social platforms, gaming platforms, and more. Manta Network has more than 13 Million transactions which Manta Pacafic has 10.63M+, Manta Atlantic has 48.54K+, and Calamari Networks has 2.69M+ transactions.
Core Features
- Low Fees, High Scalability: Manta Pacific leverages Celestia and a modified OP Stack to deliver a cutting-edge technical infrastructure offering extraordinary scalability paired with low gas fees. Combined with Manta Pacific’s Universal Circuits, Manta Pacific delivers an unrivaled environment for building and deploying ZK applications and dapps.
- Developer-Friendly, App Agnostic: A multi-modular approach provides developers the flexibility to leverage Manta’s private identity tools across chains and in web2 environments, including mobile apps. Manta’s SDKs and proof keys offer developer-friendly solutions for integrating on-chain identity with just a few lines of code.
- New ZK Use Cases: Manta Pacific offers Universal Circuits, a ZK library for developers to quickly call ZK-enabled contracts for their existing Solidity smart contracts and dapps. Manta Pacific’s core circuit designs for its Universal Circuits include zkContracts such as zkShuffle for on-chain gaming.
- Non-Invasive Compliance: Manta Network’s zkSBTs allow users to verify in a trustless, decentralized manner without exposing any details. zkSBTs, such as the zkBAB and zkGalxe Passport, deliver a seamless on-chain KYC verification without any need to scan passports or enter sensitive personal information.
- A Growing Ecosystem: From DeFi to gaming to social, apps deploying on Manta are designed to bring the best experience and value to real users. The Manta Ecosystem Grants Program is designed to explore and grow new and valuable use cases to solve pain points faced by real users.
Manta Network’s Ecosystem
MantaPay
MantaPay, part of the Manta Network, operates on the Polkadot and Kusama parachains, focusing on private and secure on-chain transactions using zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs). This ensures that only the sender and recipient can view the payment details. Manta Network conducted a large-scale trusted setup ceremony for MantaPay, which is critical for the system’s security, involving over 4,000 participants from 177 countries.
The network offers low fees, high scalability, and a developer-friendly environment, facilitating the integration of private identity tools. Its zero-knowledge Soulbond Tokens (zkSBTs) allow for non-invasive compliance and decentralized KYC verification without revealing sensitive information.
Manta Network also introduced an NFT private offering platform (NPO) for generating and minting zkNFTs/zkSBTs, allowing private minting of NFTs/SBTs. This platform broadens the scope for developers to create applications in both web3 and web2 without deep cryptographic knowledge.
Unique in using zk-SNARK cryptography for privacy in DeFi, Manta Network has attracted attention and funding from various investors and venture funds, indicating its growing significance and potential in blockchain privacy.
zkNFT/SBT
zkNFTs (Zero-Knowledge Non-Fungible Tokens) and zkSBTs (Zero-Knowledge Soulbound Tokens) are innovative offerings from the Manta Network designed to enhance privacy and compliance in the use of NFTs and SBTs.
Zero-Knowledge Non-Fungible Tokens (zkNFTs): These are a type of NFT where zero-knowledge proof technology is used to verify the authenticity and ownership of the NFT without revealing the underlying data. This means that while the NFT’s existence and ownership can be verified on the blockchain, the specific details or content of the NFT remain private. This is particularly useful in cases where the NFT represents sensitive or personal data.
Zero-Knowledge Soulbound Tokens (zkSBTs): SBTs are a concept in the crypto world representing tokens that are “soulbound” to a user, typically used to represent identity, credentials, or affiliations. zkSBTs incorporate zero-knowledge proofs to enhance the privacy of these tokens. With zkSBTs, one can verify certain characteristics or credentials represented by the token without revealing the token’s full details. This feature is especially useful for privacy-preserving verification processes, like KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures, where you need to confirm identity or credentials without exposing sensitive personal data.
The use of zkNFTs and zkSBTs is a significant step forward in addressing privacy concerns in the blockchain and NFT space.
Manta API
The Manta API is a set of tools provided by Manta Network to facilitate the development of applications. These APIs and SDKs are designed to be modular and easy to use, enabling developers to build applications with decentralized experiences without in-depth knowledge of blockchain technology. It offers:
- Easy-to-Use Tools for Developers: Manta Network has created easy-to-use tools (APIs and an SDK) that help developers create apps with advanced privacy features without needing to be experts in complex blockchain technology or cryptography.
- Fast and Cheap Blockchain Services: The network is built for speed and doesn’t cost much to use, which is great for apps that need to keep private data safe on the blockchain. This is suitable for a variety of apps, from games and social media to finance apps and even mobile apps that aren’t primarily about blockchain.
- Friendly for All Developers: The tools from Manta Network are made to be easily used by developers, whether they are familiar with blockchain technology or not. This means they can add Manta Network’s features to their existing apps without a lot of extra work or changing the way the app works for users.
- Simple App Deployment: Putting an app onto the Manta Network is as easy as deploying it on other blockchain systems like Ethereum. It mainly involves updating the way the app connects to the blockchain network.
- Support for Various Tools and Languages: The network supports a variety of programming tools and languages, making it versatile for different development needs.
- Ongoing Improvements: The Manta Network is continuously improving, planning to introduce new features that will make the network even faster, more secure, and easier to use.
- Easy Setup for Testing and Development: Developers can easily set up the Manta Network in their testing environments, like MetaMask, to see how their app would work.
Use Cases and Applications
Manta Network is a platform that offers various tools and features for different kinds of applications, especially those involving blockchain technology, with a strong focus on keeping information private. Here are some simple ways it can be used:
- Finance Apps (Defi): Manta Network is great for financial apps where you can trade, loan, or borrow money privately.
- Private Money Transfers: It allows you to send and receive digital money without showing the details to everyone else on the blockchain, keeping your transactions private.
- Private Digital Collectibles and Identity Tokens (NFT and SBT Privacy): The network lets you create and trade digital collectibles (like digital art) and identity tokens (which represent your digital identity) privately.
- Checking Identity Without Sharing Personal Info: You can prove who you are on various apps and services without having to give away your personal details.
- Gaming and Social Media: In games and social apps, you can use or trade in-game items privately.
- Working With Different Blockchains (Cross-Chain Interoperability): Manta Network lets apps work across various blockchain networks, making them more versatile.
- Easier for Regular Web Apps to Use Blockchain (Web2 and Web3 Integration): It provides tools that make it easier for regular websites and apps to start using blockchain technology.
- Mobile Apps: The technology is also mobile-friendly, meaning it can be used in smartphone apps.
Achievements and Roadmap
Completed Milestone/ Achievements:
2022: Q3
- zkAddresses and zkAssets enabled on mainnet
2022: Q4
- Record-breaking Trusted Setup Launched
2023: Q1
- zkSBT mainnet availability
2023: Q3
- Manta Pacific Mainnet Alpha Launch
Current Roadmap:
Q4 2023
- Manta Pacific Mainnet Alpha II Launch
- Manta Atlantic Mainnet Launch
- Celestia DA integration with Manta Pacific Mainnet
Q1 2024:
- Multiprover enabled on Manta Pacific testnet
- Transition to zkEVM on testnet
Q2 2024:
- Manta Pacific Mainnet Beta Launch
- Multiprover enabled on Manta Pacific mainnet
- Transition to zkEVM on mainnet
- Universal Circuits 2.0 release on testnet
Q3 2024:
- Manta Pacific Mainnet Production I Launch
- Universal Circuits 2.0 release on mainnet
Conclusion
In conclusion, Manta Network is an innovative blockchain ecosystem with two main components: Manta Pacific (on Ethereum) and Manta Atlantic (on Polkadot). It provides low-cost, scalable, and developer-friendly solutions for zero-knowledge applications. Notably, Manta Network introduces privacy-enhancing technologies like zkNFTs and zkSBTs. Its versatile API simplifies app development, and it aims to revolutionize various sectors, including DeFi, gaming, and identity verification, making it a project worth watching in the crypto space.
