Recently, we have focused on a cross-chain interoperability project, @union_build, a Layer-1 project with ZK interoperability as the core, aiming to subvert the current @LayerZero_Core-dominated cross-chain market pattern. The question is, what is the difference between it and other cross-chain interoperability projects, and what are the highlights? Will it bring new opportunities to the ZK infra circuit? Let's talk about some of my observations: 1) It is undeniable that the market demand for cross-chain interoperability is growing rapidly, but existing solutions have their own shortcomings. LayerZero mainly covers the EVM ecosystem, based on the light node verification path once led the cross-chain popularization tide, Wormhole relies on the multi-signature security committee to ensure cross-chain security, and Axelar relies on the validator network to process cross-chain messages. In contrast, Union does not rely on oracles, multisig or MPC, but directly chooses to use ZK technology to verify interchain consensus, providing efficient and scalable interoperability capabilities without sacrificing security. This hierarchical and clearer interoperability protocol path based on ZK technology enables Union to deeply connect different ecosystems, not only to EVM-compatible chains, but also to support multiple development environments including Solidity, Move, Cosmos, Solang, and BitVM, which is obviously much broader than LayerZero, which focuses on the EVM ecosystem. 2) When many people mention ZK technology, the first thing that comes to mind is Layer 2 scaling and privacy protection (Layer 2 to Layer 1 submitted proof of state), which obviously does not give full play to the maximum potential of ZK technology, but Union's innovation lies in the application of ZK technology to the field of cross-chain interoperability, expanding the application boundary of ZK technology. With the support of ZK technology, it can directly verify the consensus state between different chains without relying on trusted third parties, which is more secure and efficient than traditional cross-chain bridges. Through ZK proof, Union can achieve cross-chain interaction at the sub-second level, bringing an almost instant transaction confirmation experience, which can be described as a subversive user experience upgrade in cross-chain scenarios. It is worth mentioning that testnet data shows that Union has processed more than 58 million cross-chain transactions, has 250,000 dashboard users, and has recently launched App v2 and opened a new testnet. 3) Union has also made a big move in the BTCFi space. According to public information, Union has received nine-figure TVL commitments from top LST protocols such as Bedrock, Lombard, and Solv, which will be bridged from Ethereum to Babylon through Union, making it an important asset bridge in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Union also launched the BTCFi Flywheel program, jointly building a yield ecosystem with Escher (LST), Tower (DEX), and SatLayer (Restaking), with the goal of making BTC truly "earn interest". This strategic positioning not only responds to the current market hotspots, but also establishes a unique competitive advantage for Union in the Bitcoin ecosystem. In fact, Bitcoin, a chain that naturally lacks programmability, can directly show the cross-chain application capability of ZK technology through ZK and other chains, and many projects have tried to use the zkVM paradigm as an extension of the Bitcoin ecosystem. 4) It should be added that it has also been recognized by many top institutions in terms of financing, and has completed a $16 million funding round from investors including gumi Cryptos Capital, LongHash Ventures, Foresight Ventures, Borderless Capital, etc. From the perspective of ecological expansion, Union is also moving quite fast. According to the data, 40+ strategic cooperative relations have been established, attracting 50+ cooperation projects, including Berachain, Polygon, Celestia, Babylon, Scroll, Sui, Avalanche and other head projects. This is quite a good result in the current market environment. Above. If LayerZero is a representative of the era of cross-chain interoperability 1.0, then Union is expected to become the forerunner of cross-chain interoperability 2.0 based on ZK technology. It is trying to build an "on-chain highway" to connect various iso/heterogeneous main chains, L2, Rollups and Appchains, etc., and is committed to becoming an infrastructure channel for interoperability between chains. However, it should also be noted that it is not easy to truly shake up projects like LayerZero, which already have a certain market share and ecological depth. Although Union's technology path is advanced, the complexity and maturity of ZK technology itself is also a test. Whether it can succeed in the end depends on the actual performance of its mainnet and the speed of sustainable ecological development after its mainnet launch.