About

Nethermind is a blockchain research and software engineering company empowering enterprises and developers worldwide to work with and build on decentralized systems. Our work touches every part of the blockchain ecosystem, from fundamental cryptography research through security to application-layer protocol development. Nethermind is a core contributor to the development of Ethereum, and we are active builders of the Starknet ecosystem.

Prizes

🏆 Blockchain and Robotics $4,000
Up to 2 teams will receive $2,000
As autonomous systems such as robots, drones, and IoT devices become more integrated into our lives, their security, reliability, and transparency are paramount. We invite you to innovate at the intersection of robotics and blockchain technology. We are particularly interested in verifiable computing applications, where blockchain and cryptography can be leveraged to ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of autonomous systems - or make these systems more secure and independent. - Blockchain-Enabled Decision Making: A robot or drone that logs its decisions on a blockchain, ensuring transparency and immutability of its operational history. - Device Security: An agent security system using blockchain to securely manage firmware updates, data transmissions, and interactions, protecting against tampering and unauthorized access. - Decentralized Autonomous Robotic Networks: A network of autonomous systems that allow agents to share information about their surroundings and make decisions collectively using a decentralized blockchain framework. This includes networks which allow robots or aerial platforms to securely navigate their environment self-sufficiently without reliance on external navigations systems (e.g. GNSS, Cellular Triangulation).

Qualification Requirements

- The system must clearly demonstrate how the idea is relevant to real-world robotics applications. - Your idea must incorporate a blockchain use-case, you are free to incorporate any ECDSA-based blockchain(s) of your choice (e.g., Bitcoin, Cosmos chains, custom L1s/L2s EVM, etc.). - Please include the following in your submission: - A short video or presentation explaining your idea (~2-3 minutes) - Your submission should include a basic README file explaining the scope of the project, including how blockchain and robotics are integrated. - Any relevant code, schematics or diagrams demonstrating your idea. - 🏆 Bonus Points: Physical or software demonstrations of working proof-of-concepts will receive additional recognition.

🏆 Innovative Applications of ZK in Deep Learning and the ETH Ecosystem$4,000
Up to 2 teams will receive $2,000
This bounty invites submissions that advance the use of Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs in the realms of large-scale deep learning models (e.g., LLMs) and/or the Ethereum ecosystem. We seek projects that explore novel applications, enhancements, and implementations of ZK technology to address challenges in privacy, scalability, and efficiency. Submissions may focus on one or more of the following areas: Proof Systems for Deep Learning Inference: Design and partial implementation of proof systems for the inference of large deep learning models, offering new benefits or trade-offs over current systems. Innovations or improvements to existing proof schemes are welcome; building a completely new system is not required. Applications Leveraging Efficient Deep Learning Inference: Develop applications that utilize efficient inference of deep learning models. Innovation in proving inference is optional, but excellence in application development is key. Zero-Knowledge Proofs in Ethereum and Layer 2 Solutions: Use ZK proofs to enhance privacy, scalability, and functionality within Ethereum and Layer 2 networks. Projects aligning with Vitalik’s singularity roadmap or zkEVM solutions, improving proof aggregation, or creating educational tools are encouraged. Proof Aggregation and Optimization: Enhance scalability through proof aggregation, advances in SNARK folding, or optimizing SNARK/STARK systems. Novel ZK Applications: Surprise us with a project that utilizes ZK in new creative ways!

Qualification Requirements

-Innovation and Impact: Submissions should demonstrate originality and have the potential to significantly advance the field. - Technical Merit: Projects should exhibit sound technical implementation and a clear understanding of the underlying principles. - Feasibility and Practicality: Consideration of real-world applicability and scalability is encouraged. - Documentation: Provide clear documentation, including design decisions, implementation details, and usage instructions. We look forward to your groundbreaking contributions that push the boundaries of what's possible with Zero-Knowledge proofs in deep learning and blockchain technologies.

Workshop

🛠️ Nethermind Workshop: Blockchain & Robotic...

You might be asking yourself what do Robots have to do with Ethereum and Blockchains…In this 20 minute workshop we ...

This workshop is happening in-person

04:30 PM PDT — Friday, Oct 18, 2024 in Workshop Room 3