In recent years, the application of zk-SNARKs technology in the Blockchain field is undergoing a revolutionary transformation. Traditionally, zk-SNARKs technology has mainly been seen as a tool for enhancing scalability and privacy protection. However, with the development of technology, its potential is being redefined.

In 2025, a project named Boundless proposed the innovative concept of "proof is mining," marking the transition of zk-SNARKs technology from mere computational details to quantifiable and redeemable institutional assets. This shift is not just an extension of the technical path, but also an institutional attempt to introduce "correctness" into the market.

From a historical perspective, the evolution of Blockchain consensus mechanisms reflects a clear development trajectory:

1. Proof of Work (PoW) phase: Ensures network security by consuming electricity and computing power, with its scarcity derived from energy consumption.
2. Proof of Stake (PoS) phase: Constraining node behavior through staking cryptocurrencies, with scarcity arising from financial collateral.
3. Verifiable Proof of Work (PoVW) phase: Measuring work through correctness proofs, with scarcity arising from the verifiability itself.

This evolution reveals the direction of the evolution of the Blockchain system: from relying on "physical resources" (computing power), to utilizing "financial resources" (staking), and then to valuing "cognitive resources" (correctness).

The core design of the PoVW mechanism includes the following aspects:

- Contribution Indicators: Measured by the quantity and quality of valid proofs completed by nodes.
- Constraint method: Requires the prover node to stake a certain amount of ZKC tokens, and will be penalized for any violations.
- Reward mechanism: Orders are settled in ZKC tokens, and payments are made immediately after the proof is verified.
- Governance: The fee curve and task priorities are determined by token holders.

Compared to traditional PoW and PoS mechanisms, the design of PoVW places greater emphasis on the effective use of resources and the overall value of the network. The emergence of this new consensus mechanism may indicate that blockchain technology is developing towards a more efficient and sustainable direction.