nexus-zkvm: A Modular and Extensible Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine

nexus-zkvm: A Modular and Extensible Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine

Summary

The Nexus zkVM is a zero-knowledge virtual machine developed by nexus-xyz, written in Rust. It emphasizes a modular, extensible, and prover-optimized design, focusing on performance, security, and open science principles. This project aims to provide a transparent and efficient proving mechanism for zero-knowledge applications.

Repository Info

Updated on October 22, 2025
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cryptographyzero-knowledgezkvmRustblockchaindeveloper toolssnarkvirtual machine

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Introduction

The nexus-zkvm is an advanced zero-knowledge virtual machine (zkVM) developed by nexus-xyz. Written in Rust, it is designed to be modular, extensible, and prover-optimized, prioritizing performance and security. The project adheres to an "Assurance through Open Science" ethos, ensuring transparency with no code obfuscation or proprietary components. It's currently in an experimental stage and not recommended for production use.

Installation

To get started with the Nexus zkVM, please refer to the official documentation's Getting Started guide. This resource provides comprehensive instructions for setting up and utilizing the zkVM.

Examples

For practical examples and detailed walkthroughs, explore the extensive documentation available on the Nexus zkVM documentation portal. This includes guides to help developers understand and implement the zkVM's capabilities.

Why Use

The Nexus zkVM stands out due to several key features:

  • Modular and Extensible Design: It allows for highly optimized, isolated components and supports new languages, precompiles, and provers, preventing vendor lock-in.
  • Open Science Ethos: Emphasizes transparency, with publicly specified cryptographic components and no closed-source code.
  • Performance and Security: Built with Stwo by StarkWare, the zkVM is optimized for efficient proving without compromising on security and correctness.
  • Rust-based: Leverages the performance and safety features of the Rust programming language.

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