Brevis, a platform specializing in verifiable computing through zero-knowledge proofs, has introduced Pico, a modular and high-performance virtual machine (zkVM). This new technology facilitates the development of specialized workflows tailored to various requirements by incorporating an advanced on-chain data coprocessor that enhances performance up to 32 times.
As an innovator in the Web3 sector, Brevis focuses on advancing zero-knowledge proof applications in blockchain. Its infrastructure enables cryptographic applications to shift resource-intensive computations to an off-chain environment, improving scalability while maintaining the security of Layer 1 (L1) networks. Several prominent decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, including Kwenta, Usual, PancakeSwap, Frax, Quickswap, Mellow Finance, and BeraBorrow, have already integrated Brevis’ technology into their ecosystems.
Addressing Scalability and Customization Challenges
As Brevis expanded its collaborations, the company recognized the need for more adaptable solutions. The growing number of projects required unique priorities in terms of performance and complexity in business logic, necessitating highly customizable functions. Additionally, as new zero-knowledge technologies emerged, it became evident that systems lacking a modular framework often struggled with performance and optimization.
To address these challenges, Brevis developed Pico, a zkVM designed to adapt dynamically to various computational demands without relying on a rigid monolithic approach. This innovation represents a significant shift in the design of computational engines, enabling greater flexibility and efficiency.
Enhancing Web3 Development with Modular Architecture
Pico introduces a modular zkVM framework, allowing developers to build zero-knowledge applications suited to their specific needs. The platform is structured so that developers can combine its modules in a manner similar to assembling Lego bricks, ensuring adaptability for diverse computational requirements.
This architecture optimizes security, scalability, and proof generation, providing a robust framework for creating specialized workflows. From a technical standpoint, Pico employs a “glue-and-coprocessor” architecture, leveraging advanced on-chain data processors to improve performance. It also supports the RISC-V standard and Rust programming toolchains, making it compatible with widely used developer tools.
With the launch of Pico v1.0, Brevis has introduced the first zkVM that allows developers to test programs with enhanced backends and workflow demonstrations. The system also integrates historical on-chain data access through a zkCoprocessor, enabling developers to create decentralized applications (dApps) capable of securely processing on-chain data.
Performance Comparisons and Future Developments
The Pico framework combines specialized coprocessors with a general-purpose zkVM, enhancing efficiency in proving and verifying blockchain transactions. Coprocessors, which are tailored circuits designed to accelerate complex computations such as cryptography, complement the zkVM’s functionality by managing operations not covered by these dedicated processors.
Pico also utilizes precompilations to accelerate fundamental operations like hash or signature verifications. However, for more complex applications, additional computational layers are required. To address this, Pico incorporates an application-level coprocessor that optimizes blockchain data processing, as seen in use cases involving Uniswap. This addition significantly enhances data verification and proof generation speeds while maintaining flexibility for intricate application logic.
🪐Our “glue-and-coprocessor” architecture goes beyond standard function-level precompiles by incorporating enshrined app-level coprocessors, delivering the best of both performance and programmability—and unlocking a whopping 32× speedup at 1/3 cost for real-world use cases. pic.twitter.com/SOSysrkvmo
— Brevis (@brevis_zk) February 11, 2025
To validate the effectiveness of its hybrid architecture, Brevis conducted performance comparisons between a standard Pico VM and an enhanced version integrated with an on-chain data zkCoprocessor. Results indicated that the optimized Pico VM achieved over 32 times higher performance while reducing operational costs to just 33% of the original expenditure.
Despite being slightly slower in certain aspects, the latest zkVM version offers an optimal balance between programmability and computational efficiency, setting a new benchmark in the industry. Moreover, the design extends beyond blockchain computation and data access, with ongoing integration of verifiable AI inference and Reth coprocessors to expedite proof generation.
🚀 Pico consistently outperforms the second-best among RISC0, SP1, and OpenVM by 70% to 150% on CPU—setting a new speed benchmark for zkVMs. Stay tuned as we translate these gains into the GPU realm! pic.twitter.com/K42MPmJBwf
— Brevis (@brevis_zk) February 11, 2025
Comparative testing against other zkVM solutions, including RISC0, SP1, and OpenVM, revealed that Pico outperforms these platforms in proof generation speed. Using an AWS r7a.48xlarge instance equipped with 192 CPU cores and 1.5 TB of RAM, Brevis assessed workloads such as Fibonacci calculations, Tendermint operations, and Reth block #17106222 processing. Findings demonstrated that Pico delivered computational speeds 155% superior to the second-best performing alternative.
These results establish Pico as a new industry standard for zkVM performance, presenting opportunities for high-demand application development. In the near future, Brevis plans to release a GPU-optimized version of Pico, allowing for high-intensity computations to be executed in parallel, further enhancing the efficiency of zk proofs.
