OKX Launches zkEVM Layer 2 Network Powered by Polygon CDK

X Layer, a zero knowledge Layer 2 built with Polygon CDK (Chain Development Kit) now in testnet, is connecting OKX’s 50 million+ community to the wider Polygon & Ethereum ecosystem

Polygon Labs

November 14, 2023

OKX, a leading crypto exchange and Web3 ecosystem, is launching an Ethereum-based zero knowledge (ZK) Layer 2 network built with Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK). OKX will also become a core contributor to Polygon CDK.

X Layer will serve as OKX’s new native network, connecting its more than 50 million users to the broader Polygon and Ethereum communities. X Layer’s native token will be OKX’s platform token OKB, which will be used to pay for gas fees on the network. A testnet for X Layer is live today.

A state-of-the-art, user-friendly protocol for builders, creators and Web3 enthusiasts, X Layer utilizes ZK proofs, making it highly secure and scalable while also reducing transaction costs. The network is compatible with Ethereum, allowing seamless and secure deployment of EVM-based decentralized apps (dApps) and connectivity with a broad spectrum of smart contracts, wallets and tools.

As part of the collaboration between OKX and Polygon Labs, OKX will become a core contributor to Polygon CDK, and will invest substantial engineering resources to enhance the technology stack for Ethereum scaling solutions.

“X Layer will be a key pillar of our efforts to educate and bring our users onchain and into the world of Web3. This scalable and accessible network is perfect for developers, who can build on X Layer to deliver user-friendly world-class consumer Web3 applications, all while maintaining interoperability with other networks and ecosystems,” OKX Chief Innovation Officer Jason Lau said. “By collaborating with Polygon Labs, we look to bring more builders, more use cases, and ultimately the mass adoption of Web3.”

Polygon CDK makes it easy for developers to design and launch ZK L2s on Ethereum and is already used by projects including Near, Astar, Canto, Gnosis Pay, Palm, and IDEX. In the future, Polygon CDK-deployed chains can be interoperable and unified within a broader web of ZK-powered L2s in the Polygon CDK ecosystem.

“The utilization of Polygon CDK technology represents a significant leap forward, enabling developers to design and deploy ZK L2 solutions on Ethereum with ease,” Polygon co-founder Sandeep Nailwal said. “Looking ahead, Polygon CDK-deployed chains can interoperate and coexist within a larger network of ZK-powered L2s in the Polygon CDK ecosystem. We’re excited to collaborate with OKX's team to advance this technology and drive the success of the X Layer network.”

In the coming weeks, OKX and Polygon Labs will announce more details on the collaboration, as well as upcoming developer events.

Visit okx.com to learn more about OKX and Connect with X Layer on Twitter, Discord and LinkedIn.

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Together, we can build an equitable future for all through the mass adoption of Web3!