Original compilation: TinTinLand

Key Points

• An integrity verifier developed by Herodotus that enables developers to verify Cairo programs executed elsewhere on Starknet.
• By introducing an additional layer of proof compression on Starknet prior to Ethereum Settlement, reducing costs, the integrity verifier enables the expansion of Layer 3.
• L3 scaling is one of several options to improve Starknet's increased scalability, and it opens the door to building fully customizable AppChain (appchains) that AppChain can benefit from the additional cost drop benefits that come with integrity verifiers.
• Other use cases will also benefit from the integrity verifier's verification capabilities on Starknet, including stored proof verification and zero-knowledge machine learning.

Introduction

Two years ago, StarkWare introduced the concept of fractal scaling and Layer 3, which enables developers to build fully customizable AppChains with lower costs than Layer 2 networks. Now, proof-of-storage innovator Herodotus is taking the first big step toward introducing this feature to Starknet.

With the support of StarkWare, Herodotus has launched its integrity verifier, which enables developers to verify Stone proofs on Starknet. With this new validator, developers can validate Cairo programs executed elsewhere on Starknet in the same way that they verify Starknet execution on Ethereum.

Open the door to L3 AppChain

One of the most powerful capabilities of the integrity verifier is that it enables developers to build specialized chains (AppChain) on Starknet at a lower cost.

This requires building a layer on top of Starknet where transactions can be executed and bundled into a proof that proves its validity. The verification of these proofs on L2 is where integrity verifiers come into play. With this new validator, proofs generated by Stone (and Stwo next) can be validated on Starknet, verifying transactions executed on the AppChain using proofs generated by Stone.

Since the Starknet AppChain is still Settlement on Ethereum, they inherit the security of their network just like Starknet itself. But the appchain on Starknet also offers additional benefits:

Customization: Overall, AppChains provide developers with more flexibility than they already have on public L2, maximizing the ability to customize every aspect of their application. For example, customize Block Size, Latency, Data Availability Mode, and even implement features that are not supported by public L2. Ultra-high scalability: When the AppChain is built as L3, Starknet further compresses the proof before validating it on Ethereum. Such AppChain benefits from another cost drop, making it more economically feasible to develop more complex use cases, such as high-frequency Decentralized Finance transactions, Supply Chain management, and full-chain gaming. Avoid congestion: Appchains provide a more stable transaction environment (essential for real-time applications like gaming), avoiding potential network congestion on public L2 once the Blockchain achieves mass adoption. Other Benefits of Integrity Verifier Extensible Validation

Zooming in, since Cairo is a Turing Complete language, the integrity verifier verifies the execution of the Cairo program, which makes it possible to inexpensively verify any computation on Starknet. This layer of additional cost drop can benefit many long use cases, and in addition to AppChain, two prominent examples are proof-of-storage and zero-knowledge machine learning (ZKML).

Proof of Storage makes it economically feasible to verify any Blockchain state at any past point in time without the need to trust a third party. Interestingly, Herodotus, the team behind the integrity verifier, recently further optimized proof-of-storage by providing trustless proofs of Ethereum starting with genesis blocks. STARK proofs drop the cost of stored proofs, and integrity verifiers open the door to further drop costs.

As AI becomes a part of our lives, the concept of ZKML is gaining traction, using zk-SNARKs to validate the computation of AI models.

In a field like AI, the emergence of integrity verifiers could be a game-changer due to the usual lack of transparency. Scalable AI validation doesn't provide insight into how a model "thinks" or comes to a conclusion, but it can verify that the right model is indeed being used. Tools like integrity verifiers can make ZKML more economically viable by making the validation of AI models more cost-effective.

Herodotus has announced a partnership with ZKML innovator Giza to empower developers to build powerful, secure, and trustless AI applications through the expansion of new technologies such as integrity verifiers.

Conclusion

The introduction of the integrity verifier represents the first step towards Starknet's ultra-high scalability. By enabling developers to validate Cairo programs executed elsewhere on Starknet, validators open up entirely new capabilities for the network. These capabilities range from building customizable application chains with additional cost drops to developing new use cases such as ZKML. L3 is just one of the tools to enhance Starknet's scalability, with more long to come.

Starknet Seed Grant Program

In order to help more long developers enter the Starknet ecosystem and efficiently develop new projects, the Starknet ecosystem has launched the "Seed Funding Program", which aims to support more long development teams to strengthen the development of the Starknet ecosystem by providing up to $25,000 in USDC non-dilutive grant awards.

The Seed Grant Scheme has a streamlined application and assessment process, with the goal of making decisions within about two weeks after submission of an application.

Seed grants are primarily for projects that have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept (POC) but are not yet on the market. Projects and teams that meet the following criteria can apply:

Actively participate in the Starknet community or participate in the Starknet Hacker Marathon, Builders Program, or other entry-level programs; ** **MVP or POC has been developed; ** Plan to use or build a project based on existing Starknet tools and integrations. **

All teams should come up with a clear plan detailing how the funds will be spent over the next three months. The Starknet community welcomes applications from all industries, with no restrictions on product types.

Application Process

*Application

To apply for the project, please submit the application form. A clear roadmap for how the grant will be spent over the next three months will need to be submitted.

Internal Review

Each application will be evaluated by an internal committee based on potential impact, innovation, milestones, level of community involvement, track record, and integration with the Starknet ecosystem.

Result Notification

The result of the application is scheduled to be notified in about two weeks.

• Procedure

Funding will be received protocol to successful completion of KYC (Know Your Customer) and signing of the funding agreement.

Follow-up

After three months, the Foundation will follow up with the grantee and evaluate the results. Grantees should share regular updates (blog posts, videos, AMAs, etc.) with the team to assist in this process.

Ineligible applicants

This project is not available for mature stage projects. If your product has been live on the Mainnet for more than three months and/or already has a core number of users, it is not eligible for the Seed Funding Program.

The Starknet community does not accept applications related to:

*Gambling *Drugs *Gun

• Illegal transactions *Money laundering
• Any criminal activity

Apply Now

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Common Q&A

• **What is the Seed Funding Scheme? **

The Seed Grant Program aims to support the team in strengthening the Starknet ecosystem by providing up to $25,000 in USDC non-dilutive funding.

Who can apply

The Seed Grant Program is mainly for projects that have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) or proof of concept (POC) but have not yet been marketed.

Projects and teams that meet the following criteria can apply:

Actively participate in the Starknet community or participate in the Starknet Hacker Marathon, Builders Program, or other entry-level programs; ** **MVP or POC has been developed; ** Plan to use or build a project based on existing Starknet tools and integrations. **

• How long does it take long to apply and receive a reply?

Applicants can receive a response within two weeks.

• What kind of projects are mainly funded

There are no restrictions on the type of product. Any project built on Starknet, as long as it is not eligible, can apply for funding.

Application Advice

When applying, it's critical to provide a comprehensive overview of the project, which should include the project's goals, potential impact, and alignment with the Starknet ecosystem.

Articulate your project's unique value proposition and how it solves existing challenges or opportunities in the ecosystem.

Also, detail your team's expertise, experience, and contributions, showing why your team is the best person to bring this project to life.

It is critical to have a well-thought-out plan for the use of funds, as a clear understanding of how funds will be allocated will be demonstrated to drive project success.

**Are there any restrictions on the industry? **

We welcome applications from all industries and there are no restrictions on the types of projects considered.

• **What if more than 25,000 is needed? **

If you need more than $25,000, we recommend that you consider other funding sources or discuss your specific needs with our team.

Although the Seed Grant Scheme provides funding capped at $25,000, we understand that some projects may require more longing funding.

Feel free to contact us to discuss possible alternatives or opportunities for more long support.

• Will there be a preference for projects that are already under construction and participating in the ecosystem at Starknet? **

While any project can apply, your project will have a better chance of standing out if you can demonstrate previous collaboration and involvement with Starknet.

🔍 For more information about the Q&A long, please see the original article:

First batch of selected projects

The first batch of selected projects for the Seed Grant Program has been announced, and we hope that more long developers will find their own development inspiration in the exploration of these projects!

The first batch of selected projects includes:

• Chain Game Developer Underware

Founded in 2023 by Rob Morris and mataleone, and co-founded by funDAOmental and Endless Crawler, it is an on-chain game studio made up of veteran builders, artists, designers, storytellers, and pioneers, at the forefront of omnichain gaming and autonomous worlds.

On-chain game ML Village

ML Village is building a marketplace for AI models with a focus on bots vs. Bot on-chain games, zkML will be used for proof of on-chain/off-chain inference.

• Online collectibles marketplace Thunder

Experience the thrill of card trading with Thunder, seamlessly securing and simplifying your online collection. Thunder's partnership with Starknet is set to revolutionize the collectibles trade. Expect faster transactions, lower fees, and enhanced scalability in the future.

Hybrid on-chain/off-chain limit order book DEX LayerAkire

LayerAkira is building the first hybrid on-chain/off-chain Central Limit Order Book (CLOB) on Starknet, aiming to provide Depth Liquidity and standardize fairness and price transparency for everyone on the network.

• Online role-playing game Starkane

Starkane is an anime-style, fully chained tactical RPG built on top of the innovative Dojo engine and utilizing Unity for 3D graphics, where gamers and creators can participate in the vast gaming universe.

Decentralization Game Server Primis Protocol

Primis Protocol offers Decentralization game servers powered by Liquid Staking to create the ultimate Blockchain gaming world. Its core game features endless progression and combat, a wide range of development options, and user-generated content. It is tied to an economic model that uses liquid staking, where asset value determines the complexity and size of the game.

AI Interactive Game Tale Weaver

Tale Weaver combines AI with interactive gameplay, allowing players to rewrite the rules of digital storytelling. Players can influence the story and witness the plot unfold in an infinite cycle of choices and consequences, with the goal of revolutionizing the world of on-chain gaming and NFTs.

Decentralized Finance Yield Aggregator STRKFarm

Easily navigating Starknet's expansive Decentralized Finance environment on STRKFarm, users can identify the most valuable mining pools and maximize $STRK rewards. STRKFarm will bring users the ultimate yield aggregator on Starknet and will soon launch exclusive NFTs for early adopters.

Compliance Fundraising protocol Kamea Labs

Kamea Labs is partnering with Genki to build the future of fundraising, a fully compliant, self-hosted platform that allows users to showcase their projects to interested investors.

• Decentralization Non-custodial Prize Savings protocol Bountive

Bountive is a Decentralization, Non-custodial Bonus Savings Protocol on Starknet that provides users with no-loss bonuses and is the first Decentralization Bonus Savings Protocol based on the concept of "Bonus Linked Savings Accounts".

Cairo Learning protocol CodeJam

CodeJam is an online education platform focused on Web3 courses designed to make it easy for new developers to learn without any setup, just visit their website, sign up, learn, and practice coding. CodeJam's goal is to attract the next wave of developers to learn Cairo and dive into StarkNet!

Open Source Wallet Cypherock Wallet

Using the hardware wallet CypherockWallet X 1 keeps users' digital assets safe and secure, more than $50 million in assets have been protected.

AMM protocol BrownFi

BrownFi is a novel AMM protocol inspired by the traditional limit order book, in which liquidity providers allocate assets into pools protocol to a similar binding curve to maximize the benefits of all.

on-chain Text Adventure protocol The O'Rugging Trail

This is a fully on-chain text adventure game from Archetypal Tech, and the project will first try to port TheOrugginTrail to Cairo and study its composability with games with overlapping aesthetics and themes.

• Fixed Income Market Lila Finance

LilaFinance is launching fixed-income Decentralized Finance. Lila uses a Decentralization Fixed Income Marketplace where NFTs represent financial positions in a tradable form, providing users with fixed income with greater transparency and efficiency.

On-chain game Grugs Lair

This is a fully on-chain game built by the Grug's Lair team, such as Rising Revenant, Blob Arena, and Plagues Survivor.

Web3 Gaming Dashboard by Wendash Analytics

Wendashboard Analytics provides a comprehensive dashboard for Web3 gaming projects, providing team members and players with essential tools for on-chain statistics and success.

Coordination Stack, a toolkit focused on finance, identity, and governance

The CoordinationLab stack provides a toolkit focused on finance, identity, and governance to improve the efficiency and scalability of the Internet-native enterprise.

On-chain shooter StarkShoot

StarkShoot is a groundbreaking real-world on-chain gaming experience for longing that pushes the boundaries of excitement and innovation.

Payment Gateway Inflow

Inflow Pay facilitates seamless transactions for B2C businesses from fiat coins to crypto assets, providing a reliable payment gateway that makes it easy for businesses to navigate the digital economy.