zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs in zkShine

zk-SNARKs (Succinct Non-interactive Arguments of Knowledge)

• Extremely small proof sizes

• Fast on-chain verification

• Efficient for real-time operations (ideal for DeFi & RPC privacy)

• Requires a trusted setup (performed via a multi-party ceremony)

zk-STARKs (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge)

• Fully transparent (no trusted setup)

• Post-quantum secure

• Suitable for large AI or zkML computations

• Slightly larger proof sizes, but higher scalability

zkShine uses a hybrid zk-SNARK/STARK model:

• zk-SNARKs for fast proof verification on Solana programs

• zk-STARKs for scalable, long-running off-chain computations such as AI inference

Each zkCompute Node selects the most efficient proof scheme dynamically, based on the task type.