Vitalik Buterin, the Ethereum (ETH) co-founder, has proposed the first block in preparation for Taiko’s Layer 2 mainnet launch, marking a significant milestone for the scaling startup. In a notable message embedded within the block, Buterin expressed his enthusiasm for Taiko’s launch and its broader implications for the Ethereum ecosystem.
Buterin’s Message on Taiko Mainnet
“I’m excited to see that Taiko is launching as a based rollup,” Buterin wrote, as per the message on the Taiko mainnet block. He highlighted Taiko’s innovative approach, stating, “Ethereum benefits from L2s taking a plurality of different approaches, and I appreciate them being among the first to go in this direction.”
Taiko aims to address Ethereum’s scalability challenges by making transactions cheaper while preserving the network’s core attributes of being censorship-resistant, permissionless, and secure. The startup is developing a “Type 1” ZK-EVM, a ZK-rollup fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, supporting zero-knowledge proof computation. This technology allows for more efficient and secure transaction processing without compromising on decentralization or security.
Significance of Taiko’s ZK-Rollup
The launch of Taiko as a ZK-rollup represents a significant step forward in the evolution of Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions. By leveraging zero-knowledge proofs, Taiko can offer scalable and cost-effective transactions, crucial for the widespread adoption of decentralized applications. Buterin’s endorsement underscores the importance of diverse approaches in the Ethereum Layer 2 space, essential for the network’s long-term success and sustainability.
Taiko Genesis Airdrop
Before its mainnet debut, Taiko announced plans for a “genesis airdrop” targeting its community members. This initiative will see 5% of the total 1 billion token supply distributed to eligible participants, including those who engaged with the Taiko testnet, served as block proposers and provers, contributed to specific GitHub repositories, and participated in the Ethereum ICO.
The token distribution plan allocates 48.5% to significant stakeholders, including 20% for Taiko Labs and its core team, 16.88% for the Taiko Foundation reserves, and 11.62% for investors. The DAO Treasury will receive 20% of the tokens. Other allocations include 5% for Grants and RetroPGF, 5% for liquidity and market making, and 10% for the Trailblazer airdrop. The TKO genesis airdrop can be claimed once the Taiko Layer 2 mainnet becomes operational.
