June 10, 2025
Amine Chakrellah
Rollups are not just a scalability hack. They are the foundation of a new blockchain architecture.
Instead of trying to fit everything into a single chain, rollups break execution out of the base layer. Transactions are executed off-chain and then submitted back to the layer 1 for settlement and verification. This approach allows chains to scale without sacrificing security or decentralization.
There are two main types of rollups. Optimistic rollups assume transactions are valid by default and allow fraud proofs to challenge incorrect ones. Zero-knowledge (ZK) rollups use cryptographic proofs to verify batches of transactions. Both models reduce the burden on layer 1, opening the door for higher throughput and more flexible applications.
But rollups are not just about scale. They also represent a shift in how blockchain systems are built and how power is distributed.
The rise of rollups is part of a broader trend toward modular blockchain design.
In a modular stack, execution, settlement, consensus, and data availability are provided by different layers. This decoupling allows developers to optimize each part of the system independently.
Rollups handle execution. Layer 1 chains like Ethereum or Bitcoin handle settlement. Data availability can come from layer 1, from specialized DA layers like Celestia, or from hybrid systems.
This design gives developers more flexibility. Want to optimize for privacy? Choose a ZK rollup with off-chain data. Want to maximize decentralization? Settle on Ethereum and post all calldata. Want high throughput? Use a fast prover, shared sequencing, and modular DA.
Rollups are the glue that makes modular blockchain architecture possible. They are where innovation happens.
In 2025, rollups are moving from early experiments to production systems.
Established rollups like Arbitrum and Optimism are scaling up and decentralizing their governance. ZK rollups like zkSync, Scroll, and Starknet are rolling out native bridges, new VMs, and faster proofs.
Meanwhile, app-specific rollups are gaining traction. These are rollups purpose-built for a single application or ecosystem, giving projects more control over fees, UX, and upgrade cycles.
Projects like dYdX, Aevo, and XAI have shown that custom rollups can achieve deep performance gains. General-purpose RaaS platforms like Caldera, Conduit, and AltLayer are making rollup deployment accessible to anyone.
The opportunity is no longer in asking whether rollups are the future. It is about how they will be used, who will build them, and how they will interoperate.
Ethereum rollups are maturing, but Bitcoin rollups are just beginning to gain momentum.
Historically, Bitcoin was not built for complex programmability. It has been the most secure and decentralized chain, but with limited flexibility. That is changing.
New rollup frameworks for Bitcoin aim to bring scalability and programmability without altering its consensus model. There are several approaches:
Each of these offers a way to build rich ecosystems on Bitcoin without compromising its core principles.
Rollups could become the dominant scaling and programmability solution for Bitcoin in the same way they are for Ethereum. And this time, they are starting with the benefit of hindsight.
Bitcoin rollups are in early development, but several promising frameworks and projects have already emerged:
BitVM (and BitVM-based rollups): BitVM introduces a way to run general computations on Bitcoin using fraud proofs. Rollup designs based on BitVM aim to build optimistic execution layers secured by Bitcoin without requiring changes to Bitcoin's consensus rules.
Citrea: Built by Chainway, Citrea is one of the first zero-knowledge rollups that settle directly on Bitcoin. It uses zk-SNARKs to prove the validity of off-chain execution and posts commitments to Bitcoin using Taproot.
Bitlayer: A Bitcoin-native rollup project inspired by the modular stack of Ethereum, Bitlayer integrates ZK rollup techniques with Bitcoin's L1 for settlement. It aims to support smart contract execution and asset issuance.
BOB (Build on Bitcoin): BOB takes a hybrid approach by combining Bitcoin settlement with an Ethereum-compatible execution layer. It gives developers a familiar environment while anchoring to Bitcoin's security.
Rollux (Syscoin): Rollux is a rollup ecosystem connected to Bitcoin via Syscoin. It brings EVM compatibility and high throughput while leveraging Bitcoin's finality as the security base.
Fiamma and StrataBTC: These projects are exploring new constructions for ZK and optimistic rollups that use Bitcoin as the settlement layer, aiming to provide native asset programmability and on-chain scalability.
These early experiments are testing different trust models, performance assumptions, and on-chain integrations. The next phase will be to standardize interfaces and build tooling that lowers the barrier for developers to deploy Bitcoin rollups with the same ease as Ethereum rollups.
Ethereum rollups are more advanced, but Bitcoin rollups are more foundational.
Ethereum rollups benefit from an ecosystem that was designed for programmability from day one. They use Ethereum's calldata, account model, and native contract support to deploy complex logic, bridge assets, and verify proofs efficiently. They are already live, interoperable, and backed by thriving dev communities.
Bitcoin rollups are newer and face unique constraints. Bitcoin's UTXO model, limited opcode set, and conservative governance mean that developers need to get creative. But these constraints are a feature, not a bug. Bitcoin rollups must work with the base layer's security guarantees and minimalism, which can lead to more robust and censorship-resistant designs.
In the long run, both ecosystems can benefit. Ethereum rollups will continue to optimize for performance and UX. Bitcoin rollups may prioritize neutrality, durability, and trust minimization.
The most interesting future is one where both types of rollups interoperate across a shared modular infrastructure.
Proviroll is a Rollups-as-a-Service platform for the modular age. We help teams deploy, operate, and grow custom rollups on Ethereum and Bitcoin.
Unlike one-size-fits-all rollup frameworks, Proviroll is built to support modularity and flexibility from day one. We support:
We do not just help you launch a chain. We help you launch a product. That means working with you on performance, interoperability, liquidity, and user experience. Whether you are an L3, an appchain, or a rollup innovating on new primitives, we are here to accelerate your roadmap.
Rollups are not the endgame. They are the starting point for a modular, composable, scalable blockchain world.
As the lines blur between execution layers, settlement layers, and data layers, the infrastructure powering these systems must evolve. Proviroll is building that infrastructure. We believe rollups will continue to unlock new models of sovereignty, performance, and user experience — not only on Ethereum, but across the entire crypto ecosystem.
If you are building a rollup, or thinking about it, talk to us.
Let's make blockchains scale on purpose.
We respect your privacy. We use the information you provide to contact you for Proviroll updates & events. Opt-out anytime. See Privacy Policy for details.
