zkSync presents zkEVM Bootcamp powered by Encode—Applications are open!

Tina Bregović
Encode Club
Published in
4 min readSep 14, 2023

--

L2s, particularly zkEVMs, are a hot topic in crypto these days. However, it can be daunting to fully understand the concepts underpinning this powerful technology. For maximum impact, there needs to be a better way to learn it.

We’re thrilled to announce the zkEVM Bootcamp. This is a six-week, advanced virtual course set to launch on 20th November. This bootcamp is tailored for those who already have a foundational understanding of blockchain development and Rust and are eager to dive deeper into the intricacies of zkEVM, Layer 2 solutions, and zero-knowledge proofs. If you’re a developer who thrives on mastering complex systems and cutting-edge technologies, this bootcamp is for you.

While the curriculum is robust and challenging, it promises to be an enriching experience that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to be at the forefront of blockchain innovation. The course will cover:

  • L1 consensus mechanisms and data availability
  • L2 fundamentals (agnostic lifecycles, criteria for comparisons)
  • Analysis of major zkEVM implementations
  • Advanced L2 topics (decentralized sequencers, privacy, hyperchains)
  • Architecting a zkEVM system, including writing Rust circuits
  • Advanced ZK-proof topics, such as ML and formal verification

Along with our experienced Encode instructors, we’ll bring in engineers and researchers from the leading zkEVM implementations and ZKP projects to speak and answer questions about the specifics of their systems.

This is not just another course; it’s an opportunity to be part of a community of like-minded professionals and to engage in a transformative learning experience. Apply now!

Overview

The zkEVM Bootcamp will provide comprehensive, hands-on training for developers looking to create cutting-edge web3 applications using zkSync. Led by experienced educators, participants will gain a deep understanding of the zkEVM and ZK in general.

The bootcamp will kick off on 20th November and run Monday to Thursday at 5 pm GMT, until early January.

Bootcamp sessions will run regularly for 6 weeks and attendance is mandatory to successfully complete the bootcamp. After graduation, participants will receive certificates to prove their newly acquired knowledge!

Apply for the Bootcamp

Only a limited number of participants will be selected, which makes our application process very competitive. After receiving a message confirming you have successfully applied, we kindly ask our applicants to wait for a follow-up email from our Programme Manager regarding the next steps.

Eligibility and Selection Process

We select our bootcamp participants based on their applications. We advise you to make your GitHub and LinkedIn picture-perfect.

Knowledge in the following will help you secure a spot in this bootcamp:

  • Blockchain Fundamentals: A strong understanding of basic blockchain concepts, including how transactions work, what smart contracts are, and the basics of consensus algorithms.
  • Programming Experience: Proficiency in at least one programming language commonly used in blockchain development, such as Rust (preferred), Solidity, Python, or JavaScript or people who can develop Rust skills fairly quickly.
  • Cryptography Basics: A foundational understanding of cryptographic principles like hashing, public-key cryptography, and digital signatures.
  • Smart Contracts: Experience with smart contract development would be beneficial, given the focus on zkEVMs.
  • Basic Understanding of Layer 2 Solutions: While not mandatory, some prior knowledge of Layer 2 solutions like rollups or state channels could be advantageous.

When reviewing your application, we will look at your LinkedIn and Github profiles. Please make sure they are up to date and feature all your activities and projects! Our cohorts are limited, so make sure to submit a polished application!

Curriculum Overview

  • L1 Fundamentals: Builder-Proposer Consensus; Data Availability; Scalability
  • L2 Fundamentals: Agnostic L2 Transaction Lifecycle; Critical Components; Criteria for Analyzing L2s
  • Advanced Topics in L2s: Decentralized Sequencers / Provers; Privacy; Hyperchains and more
  • Architecting a zkEVM System: Universal Circuits; Proving Systems; Security
  • Building zkEVM Circuits
  • Overview of Proving Systems
  • In-Depth Analysis of major zkEVMs implementations
  • Advanced Topics in Zero-Knowledge Proofs: Machine Learning, Formal Verification, and more!

What to expect?

The programme will be completely free to the chosen participants (a required deposit will be returned after successful completion of the bootcamp).

There will be a daily class running Monday-Thursday at 5 pm GMT (UK time) over 6 weeks, with 24 bootcamp sessions in total. Each week there will be homework assignments and projects.

Every lesson will be recorded and available for participants to look back on the next working day, but the lessons are not to be shared publicly by participants.

Each participant will get access to mentors and teachers to assist them along the way. Everything will happen remotely via Zoom and Discord.

After successful completion of the bootcamp, you will receive a certificate!

About zkSync

zkSync Era is a Layer-2 protocol that scales Ethereum with cutting-edge ZK tech, not only to merely increase Ethereum’s throughput, but to fully preserve its foundational values — freedom, self-sovereignty, decentralization — at scale.

About Encode Club

Encode Club is a web3 education community learning and building together through fantastic programmes with the leading protocols in the space. Together we organise programmes like education series, bootcamps, hackathons, accelerators both online and in person. We then help our community get jobs and funding for projects and startups.

Questions

If you have any questions, please email: bootcamp@encode.club

Join the Encode Community

Twitter | Website | Discord | Telegram | YouTube | LinkedIn

--

--