Open-Source ZK-Proof Speeds Up SQL Queries

A cutting-edge technology, proof of SQL, has emerged, offering revolutionary advancements in zero-knowledge proof (ZK-proof) systems. This innovation promises to reduce the conventional 30-minute wait times for executing SQL queries to near-instantaneous speeds, potentially bringing about significant improvements in applications needing real-time data processing. On June 12, Space and Time (SxT)—a platform that provides a verifiable compute layer for AI and blockchain—announced the release of this open-source ZK prover for data processing on GitHub.

Jay White, co-founder and head of research at SxT, discussed the performance metrics that demonstrate proof of SQL’s capabilities. “We conducted benchmarks with various SQL operations, such as filters, GROUP BYs, and aggregations, against large datasets containing more than 100,000 rows,” White explained. The tests revealed that proof of SQL could handle 100,000 rows in less than one second, one million rows in about 1.2 seconds, and 100 million rows in around one minute. Initially introduced in alpha to a selected SxT clientele in August 2023, this tool is now made publicly accessible on GitHub, allowing users to run trustless queries and download the repository directly.

This ZK-proof advancement is set to transform the way smart contracts and AI agents process data during transactions. “Our team pioneered this sub-second ZK-proof to enable smart contracts and AI agents to query both on-chain and off-chain data without the lengthy 30-minute wait,” White stated. The availability of this tool means that developers can now achieve real-time speedy SQL query results on-chain during transactions.

As part of SxT’s broader initiative to bolster the security and efficiency of decentralized applications (DApps), the new ZK-proof is also set to foster community engagement. White emphasized the focus on user experience, underscoring the aim to simplify and streamline integration processes for developers. The team is actively working on integrating proof of SQL into the Chainlink network and collaborating with the zkSync ecosystem to enable native SQL queries from smart contracts using proof of SQL.

The sluggish response times associated with current SQL queries hinder the scalability and performance of DApps relying on real-time data verification. With proof of SQL, developers can now directly connect analytics to smart contracts, unlocking new powerful use cases and business logics on blockchain technology. According to a press release, this can lead to addressing some of the scalability challenges faced by current systems.

Regarding scaling with growing data volumes and more complex queries, White mentioned, “Proof of SQL scales linearly. We are planning further advancements, including cluster-scale proofs for even faster processing of larger tables, enhanced SQL support for multi-table queries, and innovative commitment schemes.” These efforts are geared towards overcoming bottlenecks and ensuring robust data processing capabilities.

The integration of ZK-proofs holds transformative potential within the crypto industry. White envisions a future where AI agents predominantly transact on-chain, driven by the accuracy and integrity of data verified through proof of SQL. “Every app in the world uses a database, and we foresee a future where every database leverages proof of SQL,” he added. This development could be a pivotal moment for on-chain transactions and database management.

The advancement of ZK technology continues to progress rapidly. A notable example is the launch of StarkWare’s $1 million research fund aimed at expanding ZK-scaling solutions for Bitcoin. This endeavor not only targets Ethereum but also endeavors to enhance Bitcoin’s scalability through ZK technology, highlighting the widespread interest and potential impact of this evolving field.