Bitcoin Proofs

Zero-knowledge proofs using Nova in Rust and bellpepper

BTech Project 2 - EE 492

Guide: Prof. Saravanan Vijayakumaran

Validity Proofs for Bitcoin Header Chain Using Nova

Developed a zero-knowledge proof system to validate Bitcoin’s header chain without block-by-block verification. Proved Bitcoin header consensus rules (proof-of-work, target adjustment, timestamps, and previous hash) using R1CS constraints and recursive SNARKs via Nova, Rust, and bellpepper libraries. Tested with 8000+ blocks to show efficient proof generation and verification, enabling compact chain state validation for light clients and other use-cases such as BTC relay, and cross-chain applications.

Links:

  1. Presentation
  2. Report
  3. Code