Meet ZetaChain: The Universal L1 for Apps That Work Everywhere — Even on Bitcoin

Key Takeaways

ZetaChain is the first ever Universal Blockchain to enable native connection across all blockchain ecosystems.

ZetaChain aims to achieve cross-chain interoperability through universal blockchain infrastructure, empowering developers to build secure, user-friendly applications that work everywhere.

ZETA serves as the native token of ZetaChain, with a max supply of 2.1 billion. ZETA plays multiple roles within the ecosystem.

What Is ZetaChain?

In today's fragmented Web3 world, blockchains operate in isolated silos, stifling innovation and limiting user access. ZetaChain was created to break these barriers. Its mission is to build a Universal Blockchain with native access to any blockchain, making crypto as accessible, diverse, and connected as the internet.

ZetaChain's Proof of Stake system, built on Cosmos SDK and Comet BFT, secures efficient cross-chain operations. Zetachain brings programmability to non-smart contract chains such as Bitcoin and Dogecoin, opening up unprecedented possibilities for developers to create truly interoperable applications without sacrificing security or user experience. ZetaChain has garnered the support of several top-tier Web2 companies, including Coinbase, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Deutsche Telekom MMS, and stc Bahrain.

Technical Principles Behind ZetaChain

ZetaChain aims to achieve cross-chain interoperability through universal blockchain infrastructure, empowering developers to build secure, user-friendly applications that work everywhere. Here's how it works:

Universal Blockchain: True Cross-Chain Interoperability

ZetaChain is the first ever Universal Blockchain to enable native connection across all blockchain ecosystems. It brings programmability to non-smart contract chains like Bitcoin, allowing developers to build interoperable apps with seamless UX and enterprise-grade security. This interoperability eliminates the isolation between traditional blockchain ecosystems, driving true interconnection in the decentralized world.

Universal PoS: Efficient and Secure Cross-Chain Operations

ZetaChain's Proof of Stake system, built on Cosmos SDK and Comet BFT, secures efficient cross-chain operations with: 1) 5-second finality; 2) Core Validators and Observer-Signer Validators to ensure network and cross-chain security; 3) Incentive mechanisms that prioritize security across all connected chains.

Universal EVM: Execution Environment Called from Any Chain

Universal EVM is an execution environment that can be called from any chain, allowing developers to: 1) Manage and interact with native assets, contracts, and wallets across connected chains; 2) Create applications with built-in cross-chain capabilities within a familiar EVM environment.

Universal Smart Contract: Streamlining Cross-Chain Development

Universal Smart Contract is deployed natively on ZetaChain and can read and write to any connected chains. It streamlines cross-chain development by: 1) Orchestrating complex multi-chain actions; 2) Accessing liquidity across different networks; 3) Delivering unified, cross-chain user experiences; 4) Extending functionality with additional chain-specific contracts when needed.

Strengths of ZetaChain's Products

ZetaChain is building a universal blockchain that provides native access to any blockchain in a universal and simple way, enabling digital assets to flow seamlessly and interconnect diversely, much like the internet. Its architecture provides a string of innovative Web3 solutions:

Unlocking New Bitcoin Possibilities: ZetaChain brings programmability to Bitcoin, enabling native DeFi interactions without intermediaries. Developers can create new yield opportunities for Bitcoin and bring Bitcoin in the broader crypto economy securely.

Unifying Multi-Chain Liquidity for DeFi: ZetaChain forms a unified liquidity and execution hub for DeFi applications to build across different networks effortlessly: DEXs, yield aggregators, stablecoins, money markets, and more.

Social, Gaming, NFT: Mint, trade, and manage digital assets and data across any blockchain ecosystems, enabling simple interoperability and interactions for creators, collectors, and players.

Currently, the ZetaChain cross-chain ecosystem covers EVM chains such as Ethereum, BNB Chain, Polygon, and Base; non-EVM chains like Solana; and non-smart contract chains like Bitcoin. Furthermore, according to the official roadmap, chains like Arbitrum, TON, and Sui will be integrated into ZetaChain shortly.

ZetaChain's ecosystem is rapidly growing. Its advanced technology and product advantages have attracted numerous Web3 developers and garnered the support of several top-tier Web2 companies, including Coinbase, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Deutsche Telekom MMS, and stc Bahrain. These companies have joined the ZetaChain ecosystem and serve as validators, collectively driving the development of blockchain infrastructure.

According to its official website data (as of May 30, 2025), ZetaChain boasts over 220 partners, more than 150 applications, and over 46,000 deployed smart contracts. It has processed over 190 million transactions, with over 8.9 million unique addresses and 100 validators.

ZetaChain Tokenomics

ZETA serves as the native token of ZetaChain, with a max supply of 2.1 billion. ZETA plays multiple roles within the ecosystem, used for paying fees, securing the network, and incentivizing participation. Here are the core mechanisms of the ZETA token:

Gas Fees: ZETA is used to pay transaction fees on the ZetaChain network, including fees for invoking smart contracts and performing cross-chain operations. The gas fees for cross chain messaging (CCM) are denominated in ZETA and paid to the Connector contract on the source chain.

Network Security: ZETA is central to the ZetaChain PoS mechanism. Token holders can stake ZETA to participate in network validation and earn rewards. Validators receive block rewards proportionally to their staked ZETA.

Cross-Chain Services: Users use ZETA to pay fees for cross-chain transactions. For example, in an asset transfer from chain A to chain B, ZETA covers the gas fees on the destination chain, enabling a single-step transaction experience.

Governance: ZETA holders can participate in network governance, deciding on protocol upgrades, ecosystem expansion, and other matters. All development and upgrades are conducted through decentralized community governance.

Conclusion

ZetaChain, with its universal blockchain technology, has built a seamless bridge across the blockchain world, enabling users and developers to easily and securely use multi-chain ecosystems like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Its robust technological foundation, rapidly growing ecosystem, and collaborations with heavyweight partners such as Coinbase and SushiSwap demonstrate its immense potential in driving blockchain interoperability. The multifaceted functionality of the ZETA token and decentralized governance further empower the ecosystem. With the upcoming integration of new chains like Arbitrum and TON, ZetaChain is on track to become a central hub for global blockchain infrastructure, ushering in a new era of free-flowing digital assets and diverse applications.