Introduction
The Manta Network, the rapidly growing protocol, is spearheading some of the most intriguing developments in blockchain technology. In an in-depth interview with Michael from Boxmining, Kenny Li, Manta Network’s co-founder, elucidates the complexities of this powerful and impactful network.
Born Out of a Problem
Kenny dives straight into a key issue facing existing protocols and networks: privacy. The core of Manta Network’s functionality focuses on user adoption and zero-knowledge proof technology. The issue of privacy significantly hinders the user experience with existing on-chain activities being indirectly linked to a user’s real-world identity. To tackle this, Manta Network’s highly efficient, substrate-based L1 was specifically engineered to protect user’s identity and improve the on-chain user experience.
The Birth of Manta Pacific
Interestingly, Manta Pacific was developed to address the problem of User Experience and User Adoption. Manta Pacific emerged when the Manta team realized that large numbers of users could be reached via Ethereum, rather than requiring them to install a new application and join a new network. Kenny emphasizes that this decision to operate as an L2 on Manta Pacific was a strategic move to intercept the existing users on Ethereum.
The Game-Changing ZK Technology
Kenny takes some time to unpack a significant concept that lies at the heart of Manta – the Zero-Knowledge (ZK) concept, which is associated with both scalability and on-chain privacy. Essentially, ZK constructs a space where something can be proved without disclosing any information about it. This tool is particularly useful in blockchain architectures to ensure privacy and security.
Modular Approach – A New Way of Building Blocks
One of Manta Network’s distinctive aspects, Kenny shares, is the adoption of a modular approach—an idea that came to life given the compatibility and ease of interchange that existing technologies offer. Kenny likens the Manta Network’s modular approach to a jigsaw puzzle where every piece is a different technology. Developers using Manta Network don’t have to invent new solutions since they can use the existing technology to meet their needs.
Interplay of Manta Atlantic and Manta Pacific
Kenny goes on to detail how the two ecosystems within Manta, Atlantic, and Pacific, interact. Essentially, Manta Atlantic is primarily for transferring value, whereas Manta Pacific acts as the core playground for decentralized applications, DeFi, and is where all the exciting new developments take place.
What’s Next for Manta Network?
As Kenny points out, Manta Network is in continuous development. New modules will be introduced to enhance the network’s functionality. There are further plans to shift from OP Stack to the Polygon CDK to refine and deliver better services to the users of Manta Network.
Conclusion
Manta Network, with its pioneering work in zero-knowledge proof and modular blockchain technology, is undoubtedly setting new standards in web3 applications and protocol development. Through innovations on two networks—Manta Atlantic and Manta Pacific—it is addressing the pain points related to privacy and scalability in blockchain, and actively contributing to advancing the overall blockchain ecosystem. As Kenny highlights, Manta Network’s dedication to creating a seamless, user-friendly, and privacy-protecting environment is not only commendable but also much needed in the blockchain space today.