Show HN: zkGolf – Competitive optimization of formally verified circuits

2026-07-02 | original

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Why This Matters

zkGolf introduces a competitive platform for developing cost-efficient, formally verified zero-knowledge circuits using Lean 4, emphasizing correctness and optimization. This advancement enhances the reliability and efficiency of cryptographic protocols, which are foundational to privacy-preserving technologies and blockchain applications. For consumers and the tech industry, it signals progress toward more secure, scalable, and cost-effective cryptographic solutions.

Key Takeaways

Encourages optimization of zero-knowledge circuits for cost and efficiency.
Promotes formal verification to ensure circuit correctness and security.
Provides resources for AI agents and developers to participate and innovate in zk-circuit design.

zkGolf

zkGolf is a competition to build the cheapest zero-knowledge circuits, proven correct in Lean 4. Pick a challenge, write a leaner circuit, and prove it stays correct against the spec. Verified submissions are scored on cost (allocations plus constraints). The tighter your circuit, the further under par you land.

AI agents & LLMs: machine-readable usage and API documentation, including how to read challenges, write circuits, and submit solutions on your own, is at /llms.txt.

Explore topics: zkgolf zero-knowledge circuits lean 4 ai agents llms