Partisia is emerging as a Layer 1 blockchain that aims to definitively solve the Blockchain Trilemma. By integrating cutting-edge Zero-Knowledge (ZK) privacy, sharding for massive scalability, and a novel Multi-Party Computation (MPC) framework, it presents a compelling new architecture for the future of decentralized networks.
Unlike many competing platforms, Partisia uniquely offers native Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions within a single, cohesive ecosystem. This dual-layer approach eliminates the need for external third-party bridges, enhancing both security and transaction throughput from the ground up.
The "Blockchain Trilemma," a term famously coined by Ethereum's co-founder Vitalik Buterin, describes the inherent difficulty of achieving decentralization, security, and scalability simultaneously. Buterin posited that most blockchain networks can only optimize for two of these three attributes at the expense of the third, limiting their potential for mainstream adoption.
We spoke with Jørgen Leow, Chief Ecosystem Officer at Partisia, to dissect the trilemma and its impact on blockchain adoption. Leow elaborated on Partisia's strategic approach to tackling each of these core challenges:
- Scalability: Achieving dynamic scalability through advanced sharding techniques.
- Privacy: Pioneering the first integrated platform for orchestrating complex ZK computations on-chain.
- Interoperability: A robust "Bring Your Own Coin" (BYOC) framework paving the way for generic cross-chain functionality.
It's crucial to note that Partisia frames the trilemma as a balance between scalability, privacy, and interoperability. This contrasts with Vitalik's original security, scalability, and decentralization model. The Partisia team argues that decentralization is often a result of effective interoperability, while privacy can be a functional component of a broader security strategy. While this definition is distinct, it remains a valid and highly relevant interpretation of the core challenges facing blockchain adoption today.
Leow expanded on this perspective, stating:
“Existing Layer 1s inherently fail in the privacy area, which is why we've never seen any of them adopted at scale as a permanent enterprise solution.”
The Partisia blockchain leverages "decentralized multi-party computation (MPC)" as its core innovation to combat this trilemma.
The new blockchain has recently announced a strategic partnership with Polygon, a leading Ethereum Layer 2 solution. Antoni Martin, Polygon Lead for Enterprise Development, commented on the collaboration:
“This partnership opens up countless new and exciting possibilities for all Polygon developers, providing them with additional tools to fine-tune the privacy and security of their projects.”
The full transcript of the discussion follows:
Akiba: Given that MPC has its own Layer 1, how does bridging to a Layer 2 network like Polygon enhance and bring MPC's features to the Polygon ecosystem?
Leow: Partisia Blockchain is a unique L1+2 solution, with its mainnet launch on May 31st. Our Layer 2 allows any L1, like Polygon (MATIC), to execute transactions in a private, smart contract environment. The final result is then settled back on the originating L1—in this case, the Polygon network. MATIC will be used as gas, and MATIC assets can also be utilized within the Partisia ecosystem.
Akiba: Can users interact with the MATIC network from Partisia without a traditional bridging process?
Leow: MPC tokens would need to be wrapped in MATIC, so yes, a bridging mechanism is involved.
Akiba: Can you provide an ELI5 (Explain Like I'm 5) explanation of "multi-party computation"?
Leow: With current ZK-rollup privacy tech, only two parties can interact at a time, which limits the outcome. If Bob and Jane are in a room, we can find out who has more money. But if ten people are in the room, how can we rank their wealth from poorest to richest without anyone knowing individual amounts? This is impossible with ZK-rollups. With ZK-computation via MPC, everyone can share their data privately, and we can rank the wealth of all ten people without disclosing who has which asset, all while securing their funds.
Akiba: Can we expect other chains to be supported in the future? Specifically, could Ethereum, Bitcoin, or other top 10 Layer 1s be on the roadmap?
Leow: Yes, Ethereum compatibility will be ready in June. Bitcoin can also be transacted, but the timeline is TBC (To Be Confirmed). Cardano support is planned for November. Most EVM-compatible chains are similar, so once we have support for ETH and MATIC, other EVMs will follow.
Akiba: Is the privacy level of current ZK-proofs a problem that needs solving?
Leow: Absolutely. The current form of ZK-proofs, which falls under ZK-rollups, is flawed. The computation is often done on a centralized off-chain solution, which regulators don't approve of, and the computation data frequently can't be retrieved. This lack of data accessibility is a problem when regulators need to investigate. Furthermore, running computations off-chain introduces a host of other security and centralization issues highlighted by the blockchain trilemma.
With standard ZK-proofs, the outcomes are limited to two parties. With ZK-computation (MPC privacy), you unlock complex applications like on-chain closed orderbooks. Supply chain companies like Apple would never use a public blockchain, but now they can run operations privately on Partisia and grant access to vendors at specific stages. They can protect their supply chain data while leveraging blockchain's benefits.
Data silos are another massive use case. Hospitals rarely share data, even with other hospitals in the same state, due to patient confidentiality. With our technology, they could upload their data to private smart contracts. An AI could then analyze this data to identify trends without ever exposing the source of the information or private keys.
Akiba: Why are you so excited about MPC, and have you struggled to explain the project's USP (Unique Selling Proposition) given its complex foundation?
Leow: It’s incredibly exciting because Partisia Blockchain is the world’s first Layer 1 + 2 and the first blockchain protocol to feature both public and private transactions 100% on-chain and decentralized. For the first time in history, a public blockchain can be adopted by public protocols (L1s, L2s, dApps), enterprises, and governments simultaneously.
The USP is certainly a complex concept to communicate. However, our recent CMO hire, who spent nine years at PayPal leading Go-To-Market strategy for crypto, is focused on crafting an easy-to-understand narrative.
It's fascinating to see a new blockchain rise with the built-in capability for deep interoperability with established chains. Moreover, having an integrated Layer 2 to reduce gas fees and accelerate transactions is a forward-thinking move. It appears Partisia has analyzed every aspect of Web3 that has faced resistance, integrated solutions into its core protocol, and then made it backward compatible with the existing ecosystem.
The critical question now is whether Partisia can achieve the level of development needed to become a true contender in the Web3 space. Partnerships with organizations like Polygon are certainly a significant first step. This project is one to watch in 2022 for investors focused on fundamental blockchain innovation.
