Starknet, a zero knowledge layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, is set to launch an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible testnet called Kakarot in August. The upcoming zkEVM aims to remove the barrier to entry for developers by allowing them to write in any EVM-compatible language on Starknet.
Currently, Starknet uses its own native language Cairo, which could dissuade some developers from adopting it. According to Elias Tazartes, CEO and co-founder of Kakarot, the greatest impact that Kakarot can have is to make Starknet EVM-compatible.
The idea for the zkEVM was first floated during a Starkware conference in July 2022, and the development team was able to complete coding for the project within two months and 20 days without any venture funding.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin later invested in Kakarot due to his enthusiasm towards a multiple-zkEVM approach to building out the Ethereum ecosystem. With fresh funding and the upcoming testnet launch, Starknet moves closer to becoming fully EVM-compatible, making it easier for developers to scale decentralized applications, transactions, and computation on Ethereum.