zkSync Launches Atlas Upgrade, Boosting Speed and Liquidity Integration
zkSync has announced the live deployment of its Atlas upgrade, a next-generation framework designed to improve scalability, transaction efficiency, and interoperability across ETH’s Layer-2 ecosystem. The upgrade positions zkSync at the forefront of zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup innovation by combining speed, flexibility, and shared liquidity architecture into a single protocol layer.
Developed by Matter Labs, the Atlas upgrade introduces a low-latency sequencer capable of near one-second finality and supports over 15,000 transactions per second (TPS). It also brings multi-virtual machine (multi-VM) compatibility, including full ETH Virtual Machine (EVM) support, enabling developers to deploy existing ETH-based smart contracts seamlessly. Additionally, Atlas integrates the new Airbender proof system, which reduces computation costs and strengthens the security of ZK proofs.
Enhanced performance and interoperability
The Atlas upgrade is not solely focused on raw speed metrics but on enhancing interoperability and liquidity flow across multiple Layer-2 and enterprise chains. zkSync’s new architecture extends its ZK Stack—an open-source framework that allows institutions and developers to launch custom rollups connected through shared liquidity channels. This architecture aims to make ETH a global settlement hub with unified liquidity between Layer-1 and Layer-2 environments.
Industry experts view Atlas as an significant milestone in ETH’s broader scalability roadmap. By offering quicker finality, lower Transaction fees, and composability between rollups, zkSync aims to make decentralized applications (dApps) and on-chain trading more efficient and accessible. The framework’s enterprise-grade performance is expected to attract financial institutions exploring blockchain-based settlement and real-time data synchronization.
Market and ecosystem response
The crypto industry has reacted positively to zkSync’s announcement. Shortly later than the Atlas upgrade went live, ETH co-founder Vitalik Buterin publicly praised the initiative, describing it as a “meaningful step toward fluid, ZK-secured scaling.” The endorsement coincided with a significant market rally for zkSync’s native ZK token, which surged by approximately 50% following the announcement.
Major platforms also adapted to accommodate the transition. Binance temporarily suspended deposits and withdrawals for zkSync Era on October 22 during the upgrade process, reflecting the scale of the technical overhaul. Developers across the ecosystem have begun integrating Atlas features into dApps, DeFi protocols, and cross-chain liquidity platforms.
The Atlas rollout follows zkSync’s earlier 3.0 Elastic Chain roadmap, which outlined a vision for transforming zkSync from a single Layer-2 answer into a multi-chain ecosystem interconnected through shared proofs and capital flows. This evolution represents a significant step toward a modular ETH ecosystem where multiple rollups can interact seamlessly.
As Layer-2 scaling becomes a central narrative in blockchain infrastructure, zkSync’s Atlas upgrade reinforces its competitive position alongside other ZK-rollup networks. By prioritizing interoperability, speed, and institutional readiness, zkSync aims to set a new standard for Layer-2 scalability and liquidity unification on ETH.
With Atlas now operational, the protocol is entering a new phase of adoption—bridging the gap between high-frequency retail transactions and institutional-grade blockchain applications.
