Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) are a game-changer in cryptography, enabling one party to prove a statement’s truth without revealing the underlying information. However, generating ZKPs is an expensive, resource-intensive process. Developers face the challenge of sourcing, deploying, and maintaining costly infrastructure that often sits underutilized. This inefficiency inflates user costs and slows adoption, making ZKP-based solutions less accessible.

Fermah solves this problem with its universal proof generation layer. Designed to make ZKPs faster, cheaper, and more reliable, Fermah removes infrastructure bottlenecks and optimizes resource utilization. Leveraging advanced technology creates a seamless experience for developers and end users alike. Whether you’re a blockchain developer, a company securing data, or an individual seeking privacy, Fermah makes ZKP generation accessible and efficient.

What is Fermah?

Fermah is a universal proof generation platform that transforms how zero-knowledge proofs are created and utilized. It acts as a bridge between developers needing ZKPs and the robust infrastructure required to generate them. At its core, Fermah eliminates the technical and financial hurdles that have long plagued the ZKP space, offering an efficient alternative for proof generation.

The Mission and Vision of Fermah

The mission of Fermah is to democratize ZKP technology, ensuring that developers and enterprises can access affordable, fast, and reliable solutions. Its vision is to become the backbone of ZKP generation, empowering global applications in privacy, scalability, and security without the constraints of resource-heavy infrastructure.

Technology Behind Fermah

Fermah’s architecture is built upon advanced cryptographic technologies and a robust decentralized infrastructure, designed to optimize the generation of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) for a variety of applications. This foundation integrates state-of-the-art cryptographic tools, such as EigenLayer middleware, alongside a peer-to-peer Matchmaker network, which efficiently allocates computational resources. The platform is designed to support multiple proof systems, ensuring seamless compatibility with diverse use cases, from blockchain verification to secure data transmission.

Components of Fermah

At its core, Fermah uses three essential components: Seekers, Matchmaker, and Operators. Each plays a distinct role in the overall architecture, ensuring smooth, reliable, and scalable ZKP generation. Here’s a breakdown of how each component functions and contributes to the system’s efficiency:

1. Seekers

Seekers are the developers or entities that require the generation of Zero-Knowledge Proofs. These may include blockchain projects, enterprises, or even individuals looking to enhance privacy and security. Seekers submit Proof Requests via the platform, specifying their computational needs and the type of ZKP required. Once their request is processed, Seekers are connected with the appropriate Operators who have the necessary resources to complete the proof generation.

1. Matchmaker

The Matchmaker acts as the bridge between Seekers and Operators. This peer-to-peer network matches proof requests from Seekers with compatible Operators, optimizing the allocation of computational resources based on availability and hardware specifications. The Matchmaker ensures that each request is matched to an Operator that can handle the task within the defined time limits and cost parameters. Its role is crucial in maintaining transparency, reliability, and efficiency throughout the entire process, as it tracks each request’s status from submission to completion.

1. Operators

Operators are the infrastructure providers who perform the actual proof computations. These can range from individual hardware providers to large-scale data centers offering cloud-based resources. Operators are responsible for executing the computational tasks associated with generating the required ZKPs. They commit their hardware resources for predetermined periods, and by doing so, they contribute to the overall security and reliability of the network. This decentralized model ensures a diverse and distributed supply chain for proof generation, preventing bottlenecks and promoting redundancy.

Proof System Deployment

Fermah uses Docker containers to package proof systems, which are then hosted at Content Delivery Network (CDN) URLs. This setup allows Operators to access the necessary proof systems swiftly and execute them with minimal delay, ensuring the platform operates at high efficiency. As Seekers submit their Proof Requests, the system verifies these requests, matches them to suitable Operators, and processes them within specified timeframes. The Matchmaker continuously monitors and tracks the progress of each request, ensuring accountability and seamless execution.

Economic Model

Furthermore, Fermah utilizes EigenLayer’s decentralized staking model, which enhances the economic security of its network. Operators stake their resources for designated periods, ensuring they remain committed to the system and its performance. This staking model boosts trust in the platform and provides a mechanism for rewarding Operators, aligning incentives for both parties. The decentralized nature of the system contributes to its reliability and reduces the operational costs associated with ZKP generation, making it more accessible for developers and enterprises alike.

How Does Fermah Work?

Fermah’s workflow is designed to be efficient, secure, and transparent, ensuring seamless Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) generation. The platform simplifies the complex process of ZKP creation through a structured system that involves three core components: Seekers, Matchmaker, and Operators. Here’s a closer look at how the process unfolds:

Proof Request Submission

The journey begins when Seekers, whether developers, blockchain projects, or enterprises, submit their Proof Requests via a JSON-RPC server. These requests include specific computation details, such as the type of ZKP required and the parameters associated with the task. Additionally, Seekers provide links to the relevant proof systems that will be used to generate the proofs. This step ensures that all necessary information is collected upfront and is available for processing, allowing the system to allocate resources effectively.

Task Assignment

Once the Proof Request is submitted, the Matchmaker takes over. It first verifies the Seeker’s eligibility, ensuring they meet the platform’s requirements for using the service. Then, the Matchmaker assigns the task to an appropriate Operator. The allocation is based on hardware compatibility and resource availability. The Matchmaker ensures that the Operator chosen has the computational power to perform the proof generation within the required timeframe. This intelligent matching process helps balance the network load and ensures that resources are allocated efficiently.

Proof Generation

Once the task is assigned, the Operator begins the proof generation process. Operators download the necessary proof systems from CDN URLs, which Fermah hosts to ensure fast and reliable access. With the required proof systems in hand, the Operator uses their computational resources to generate the proof requested by the Seeker. The entire process complies with the parameters set by the Seeker, ensuring that the proofs meet the expected criteria for accuracy and performance.

Result Delivery

After the proof is successfully generated, the results are delivered to the Seeker via their specified callback URL. This ensures that the Seeker receives the completed proof directly and in a timely manner. If, for any reason, the proof cannot be generated within the defined time limit, the request is marked as rejected. This safeguard ensures that the platform maintains a high service and reliability standard, preventing incomplete or delayed proof generations from being accepted.

Tracking and Reliability

Throughout the entire process, the Matchmaker plays a crucial role in tracking the status of each request. Seekers are able to monitor their requests in real time, ensuring full transparency and confidence in the system. Additionally, Operators commit their resources for a minimum of 500 blocks, approximately two hours, ensuring that they remain engaged and dedicated to the task. This commitment provides stability to the network and ensures that resources are consistently available for proof generation. By tracking requests and ensuring timely proof delivery, Fermah maintains a high level of reliability and accountability for both Seekers and Operators.

Key Features of Fermah

Universal Proof Generation

Fermah supports a wide range of Zero-Knowledge proof systems, including zkVMs, zkEVMs, Groth16, and many other protocols. This universal support makes Fermah highly adaptable to different industries and use cases, ensuring compatibility with various cryptographic standards. This versatility allows Fermah to cater to a growing array of blockchain, privacy, and data protection solutions. This feature serves as the backbone of Fermah’s platform, enabling users to generate proofs across a wide array of proving systems with unparalleled efficiency and reliability.

Key Aspects of Universal Proof Generation

1. Credibly Neutral and Inclusive: Fermah is architected to support all major proof systems, including zkVMs, zkEVMs, Groth16, and more. This neutrality ensures that users can choose the most suitable proving system for their specific needs without being locked into a single technology.

2. Marketplace Model: The platform operates as a marketplace, with the supply side consisting of high-performance machines like GPUs and FPGAs. These resources are matched with demand from users needing ZK proofs for various applications, such as zkRollups, ZK bridges, and privacy-focused solutions.

3. Cost Efficiency and Performance: Fermah is optimized for generating cost-effective and high-performing proofs. Users can adjust parameters to balance between price and performance, ensuring that proof generation meets their financial and operational requirements.

4. Abstracting Complexity: One of Fermah’s primary goals is to abstract away the complexity associated with ZK proofs. By providing a user-friendly interface and predictable pricing models, Fermah makes it easier for developers and businesses to integrate ZK proofs into their projects without needing deep cryptographic expertise.

5. Scalability and Reliability: The platform is designed to handle large-scale proof generation tasks reliably. This scalability is crucial for applications that require high volumes of proofs, ensuring that Fermah can meet the demands of both small projects and large enterprises.

The ZK Bazaar: A Decentralized Marketplace

Fermah functions as a marketplace that connects the supply of computational resources with the demand for ZKPs. The supply side consists of GPUs and FPGAs that can process proof generation requests. Demand-side applications requiring Zero-Knowledge technology, such as privacy-preserving transactions or scalable blockchain validation, can submit Proof Requests. The Fermah Matchmaker ensures that requests are matched with the best-suited Operators, optimizing cost and performance.

Cheap, Fast, and Reliable ZK Proof Generation

Fermah’s architecture is optimized to deliver fast and cost-effective ZKP generation, making it accessible to developers and enterprises seeking a scalable solution. The platform’s ability to process proofs quickly, while maintaining reliability, makes it an ideal choice for applications where time-sensitive proof generation is critical.

Customizable Pricing and Performance

Fermah offers developers the ability to adjust the trade-off between price and performance. By fine-tuning this balance, users can optimize their Proof Requests based on specific project needs. This customization feature makes Fermah a flexible solution for both small-scale projects and large enterprises.

Data-Protected Proving Delegation (Coming Soon)

Fermah is set to introduce Data-Protected Proving Delegation, an exciting feature that will enhance privacy by ensuring that sensitive data is not exposed during the proof generation process. This feature will be valuable for projects in fields like healthcare, finance, and secure communications.

Use Cases of Fermah

Blockchain Verification and Privacy-Preserving Transactions

Fermah is a perfect fit for blockchain-based applications requiring privacy and scalability. By utilizing ZKPs, blockchain networks can validate transactions without revealing sensitive information. Developers can rely on Fermah to quickly generate the necessary proofs for transaction verification, making it a key player in decentralized finance (DeFi) and privacy-focused blockchain projects.

Confidential Data Processing

With the growing demand for secure data sharing, Fermah offers an effective way to perform computations on encrypted data, ensuring privacy. It enables secure computations for industries like healthcare and finance, where sensitive information needs to remain private while still being processed or analyzed.

Supply Chain and Identity Verification

Fermah’s flexibility also extends to industries like supply chain management and identity verification. Zero-Knowledge Proofs allow for secure and efficient identity checks or tracking products in a supply chain without exposing sensitive data, ensuring both transparency and privacy.

Fermah’s Devnet

Fermah’s Devnet serves as the foundation for its testing and development phase. It is a permissioned network designed to connect Seekers and Operators in a controlled, secure environment, allowing the two parties to collaborate on Proof Request submissions and proof generation. The Devnet is already live and open to EigenLayer Operators who can opt in to begin processing Proof Requests. This phase is crucial for fine-tuning the platform’s components and ensuring smooth functionality before its public release.

Key Features of Fermah’s Devnet

• Developer Toolkit: Fermah provides a robust SDK, simplifying the process of submitting Proof Requests for developers. The toolkit streamlines the development cycle and enhances usability by offering pre-configured tools.
• Pre-built Docker Images: Operators can access pre-built Docker images, reducing setup complexity. These images ensure that Operators can easily configure their systems to generate proofs without additional setup.
• Permissioned Access: The Devnet operates under a permissioned access model, ensuring quality and reliability during this testing phase. Access control allows Fermah to manage the network efficiently and ensure that only trusted parties participate.

The Devnet is regularly updated to incorporate developer feedback and improve functionality. As the system evolves, the Devnet will include new features to enhance efficiency and scalability. Developers are encouraged to actively monitor the Devnet dashboard to stay informed about the latest updates and features, contributing to the continuous improvement of the platform. This collaborative testing environment makes Fermah a reliable and scalable platform for zero-knowledge proof generation.

Join Devnet here.

Fermah Funding

Fermah recently secured $5.2 million in a seed funding round on September 17, 2024, co-led by a16z CSX and Lemniscap, with participation from notable investors like Bankless Ventures, Longhash Ventures, P-OPS Team, and ZK Validator. High-profile individuals joined as angel investors, including Balaji Srinivasan, Sandeep Nailwal, and Mustafa Al-Bassam​​​​. This funding is directed toward product development and team expansion to strengthen their proof-generation marketplace​​.

Fermah Team

Fermah is led by Vanishree Rao, a cryptographer with over 15 years of experience in Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs). She previously served as the Lead Cryptographer at O(1) Labs, the team behind the Mina Protocol. Vanishree’s expertise in cryptography is central to Fermah’s development.

Supporting her is Pranit Garg, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), who brings his marketing expertise to the team. Together, they aim to make ZK technology more accessible and scalable. The current funding will help strengthen Fermah’s ZKP infrastructure and support further team expansion.

Conclusion

Fermah is transforming the landscape of zero-knowledge proof generation by making it faster, cheaper, and more reliable. Its universal proof generation layer removes technical and financial barriers, enabling developers to focus on innovation. Whether you’re a blockchain developer, a privacy advocate, or a business leveraging cryptographic tools, Fermah provides the infrastructure needed to unlock the full potential of zero-knowledge proofs.