Horizen 2.0 Upgrade Status and Timeline

The Horizen 2.0 upgrade is progressing smoothly, with key technical milestones already reached and a clear timeline ahead. The preparation for the migration of $ZEN to the new network is complete, ensuring a seamless token claiming process for holders for the June 2025 mainnet launch. Horizen 2.0 is currently running on an internal Devnet while the team conducts various quality assurance and testing in preparation of the public testnet launch.

We wanted to provide a summary of the Horizen 2.0 upgrade timeline, where we are, and the various technical milestones that have been reached in preparation. A revised Horizen 2.0 whitepaper, including the new tokenomics details for $ZEN, was recently published.

Horizen 2.0 Upgrade Timeline

• Horizen 2.0 Internal Devnet: December 15th ✅

• Horizen 2.0 Public Testnet - Scout: March 2025

• Horizen 2.0 Incentivized Testnet Launch: March 2025

• Horizen 2.0 Mainnet Launch: June 2025

Horizen 2.0 Technical Milestones

• All preparation for migrating $ZEN to Horizen 2.0 is complete, ensuring a smooth token claiming process for holders once the new chain goes live. No action is needed from holders yet; they will be able to claim tokens via a dedicated system when the mainnet launches.

• The consensus and staking mechanisms for Horizen 2.0 are ready. The new PoS-based system will use the AURA consensus algorithm, which determines how collators are selected to produce blocks and supports $ZEN’s tokenomics and network security.

• The work to enable EVM functionality on Horizen 2.0 is finished. This allows developers to build smart contracts in Solidity and port Ethereum-based apps, enhancing interoperability within the Web3 ecosystem.

• A test version of the Horizen 2.0 Parachain has been successfully integrated with zkVerify's test Relay Chain, enabling simultaneous block production and communication between the two chains. This is a step toward incorporating zkVerify’s verification features into Horizen 2.0.

• Horizen 2.0 Devnet, an internal testnet, is now active. It is used to test key features and ensure everything functions as expected ahead of the incentivized testnet and public rollout. This internal network helps the team refine the system before going public.

Horizen 2.0 Whitepaper

In addition to the Horizen 2.0 technical upgrade milestones, the Horizen Labs Team also put out the Horizen 2.0 Whitepaper, which outlines significant advancements and strategic upgrades to the Horizen ecosystem, designed to enhance its capabilities, scalability, security, and interoperability.

The paper addresses current challenges with ZK applications, including high costs, network congestion, and limited proving mechanisms. The paper also includes the new tokenomics details for $ZEN.

Horizen 2.0 offers solutions through an EVM optimized for ZK apps:

• Faster ZK Proofs at Minimal Cost

• Flexible Proof Systems

• Efficient Network Design featuring native zkVerify integration

• Enhanced Security and Scalability

This whitepaper positions Horizen as a leader in the ZK space, paving the way for future blockchain applications with greater efficiency and scalability​

Dive into the future of blockchain with Horizen 2.0, and discover how it will drive the next wave of innovation! Read the full whitepaper here.

As always, we remain available to our users on the Horizen Discord for any questions, support needed, or additional information!