The L1-zkEVM system, which aims to accelerate block verification processes on the Ethereum network and make them more accessible, will be introduced to the public with the first workshop to be held on February 11, 2026. This new approach aims to offer significant changes in verifying transactions on the blockchain.
Innovating Block Verification with Zero Knowledge Proofs
With the developed system, the accuracy of blocks can now be verified using zero knowledge proofs (ZK proof) without the need to re-execute each transaction one by one. Ladislaus.eth, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, describes this update as one of the most important technological innovations of the network. Within the scope of L1-zkEVM, “Optional Execution Proofs” with code EIP-8025 stand out in particular. In this way, some validators called zkAttester can confirm blocks based on cryptographic evidence without reviewing each transaction themselves.
Changing Dynamics of Participants and Technical Infrastructure
The EIP-8025 is described as a completely optional feature; It is reported that existing nodes that have not upgraded will continue to work. Validating blocks today requires reexecuting transactions, which becomes costly in terms of time and resources as the network grows. Thanks to the ZK proof approach, validators (especially individual users and those who prefer home verification) will be able to use the system with more modest hardware.
It is stated that the philosophy of “based on evidence, not trust” is brought to the fore in Ethereum verification. In this way, the sustainability of the decentralization goal in the network is supported.
Importance of Institutional Support, Roadmap and Workshop
As of 2026, an increase in corporate interest and investment in Ethereum is also observed. Financial institutions such as Fidelity Digital Assets, Grayscale, BlackRock and Standard Chartered are increasing their investments in the platform. According to David Walsh, head of the corporate department at the Ethereum Foundation, the year seems to have started quickly.
The developed L1-zkEVM is preparing to bring new standards not only for the core stage, but also for Layer 2 (L2) solutions and ZK virtual machine (zkVM) developers. Solutions such as ZisK, openVM, and RISC Zero already verify Ethereum blocks with zero-knowledge proofs.
In the first workshop to be held on February 11, 2026, six main topics stand out. These; These include standardization of execution witnesses and program interfaces, consensus layer integration, prover infrastructures, performance tests and formal verification processes in terms of security.
This move aims to transition block verification to a more efficient, optional and evidence-based structure in Ethereum’s road map. In this period when new standards will be determined for developers and verifiers, it is aimed to continue work with ordinary computers with EIP-8025.
If this approach, which will make it possible to maintain decentralization and security in the network together, is successful, it is considered that Ethereum can be recorded as an important milestone in the blockchain verification process.
