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Polygon

Layer 2 scaling solution.

About Polygon​

Polygon (formerly Matic Network) is a leading Layer 2 scaling solution and multi-chain ecosystem designed to enhance Ethereum’s scalability and usability. Its core mission is to create an interconnected network of Ethereum-compatible blockchains through modular frameworks and zero-knowledge (ZK) technology. Key offerings include:

  • Polygon PoS: A proof-of-stake sidechain handling ~7,000 transactions per second with sub-2-second finality
  • Polygon zkEVM: A ZK-rollup achieving Ethereum-equivalent security while reducing transaction costs by 90%
  • Chain Development Kit (CDK): Open-source toolkit to launch customizable ZK-powered Layer 2 chains

As the first major Ethereum scaling solution to surpass 1 billion total transactions, Polygon powers 50,000+ decentralized applications and secures $5B+ in assets. Founded in 2017 by Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, and Anurag Arjun, it has become foundational infrastructure for Web3 development.

Technology​

Polygon’s tech stack combines multiple scaling approaches:

  • Hybrid PoS Sidechains: Decentralized validators process transactions off Ethereum mainnet while periodically committing checkpoints for finality
  • ZK-Proof Systems: zkEVM uses advanced cryptographic proofs to validate transaction batches while maintaining EVM bytecode compatibility
  • Modular Framework: Developers can mix-and-match components like consensus layers and data availability solutions
  • Interoperability Protocol: Native bridges enable cross-chain asset transfers between Ethereum, Polygon chains, and external networks

This architecture solves Ethereum’s scalability trilemma by offering:

  • Transaction fees under $0.01
  • 2-second block times
  • Full EVM/Solidity compatibility
  • Inherited Ethereum security through frequent state commitments

Key Features​

    1. Multi-Chain Scaling: Supports standalone chains, ZK rollups, and optimized sidechains
    1. Ethereum Tooling Parity: Works with MetaMask, Truffle, Hardhat, and all EVM development tools
    1. Enterprise-Grade Throughput: Processes 4-8x more transactions per second than Ethereum mainnet
    1. Enhanced Privacy: Optional zk-SNARKs for confidential transactions
    1. Gasless Transactions: Sponsored fee meta-transactions for dApp users
    1. Plasma Security: Fraud proofs and exit mechanisms for bridge security
    1. Polygon ID: Decentralized identity framework with ZK-based credentials

Integration with Eliza​

The ElizaOS-Polygon integration centers on three technical pillars:

  1. On-Chain AI Agents: A dedicated plugin (github.com/elizaos-plugins/polygon-agent) enables autonomous AI agents to:

    • Execute contract interactions via Solidity bindings
    • Monitor chain state through customized RPC endpoints
    • Automate cross-chain operations using Polygon Bridges

  2. Co-Developed Infrastructure:

    • Custom zkOracle for verifiable off-chain data feeds
    • Gasless relayer service for agent transactions
    • MEV-resistant transaction bundler

  3. Joint Grant Program:

    • $1M POL fund for AI-agent development
    • Shared validator nodes offering prioritized block space
    • Native support for agent reward streams through Superfluid payments

Use cases include DeFi yield optimizers that simultaneously interact with Aave/Polygon and Uniswap/Ethereum, and NFT agents managing cross-chain portfolios.

Recent Developments​

  • Toposware Acquisition (2024): Enhanced ZK research capabilities
  • Elderberry Upgrade (2025): Reduced zkEVM proof generation time by 40%
  • Testnet Expansion: Launched dedicated testnets for account abstraction and decentralized sequencers
  • ElizaOS Grant Program (2025): Largest AI-focused ecosystem fund in Web3
  • 2025 Roadmap: Plans for unified liquidity layer across all Polygon chains

Market Position​

As the most adopted Ethereum scaling solution, Polygon dominates with:

  • 4.6M Daily Transactions (7x Arbitrum’s volume)
  • $1.2B TVL across DeFi protocols
  • 64% Market Share among EVM-compatible L2s

Strategic partnerships include integrations with:

  • Aave: Largest DeFi deployment with $900M in liquidity
  • OpenSea: Preferred NFT minting platform
  • Stripe: Fiat-to-crypto onramps
  • Dolce & Gabbana: Luxury NFT collaborations