Tomorrow, February 11, 2026, the first L1-zkEVM workshop will give a first look at a new system that could make block validation faster, cheaper, and more accessible for everyone.
Instead of re-executing every transaction in a block, Ethereum may soon rely on zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, enabling validators to verify correctness through cryptographic proofs.
SponsoredWhy Ethereum’s Shift to ZK Proofs Could Redefine Block Validation
Ethereum Foundation researcher Ladislaus.eth called it “arguably one of the more consequential” upgrades in the network’s history.
The change is part of the L1-zkEVM 2026 roadmap and focuses on the EIP-8025 (Optional Execution Proofs) feature. This allows certain validators, called zkAttesters, to confirm blocks using cryptographic proofs instead of checking every transaction themselves.
The shift is optional, meaning no one is forced to upgrade, and all existing nodes continue to work as they do today. However, for those who adopt it, the benefits may be significant.
“The first L1-zkEVM breakout call is scheduled for February 11, 2026, 15:00 UTC,” wrote Ladislaus.eth.
Today, validating a block requires re-executing every transaction, which takes more time and resources as the network grows.
ZK proofs enable zkAttesters to verify a block almost instantly without storing the entire blockchain.
This is not just about speed. By lowering the hardware, storage, and bandwidth requirements, Ethereum becomes far more accessible.
Sponsored SponsoredSolo stakers and home validators can participate fully using regular consumer hardware. This keeps the network decentralized and true to the “don’t trust, verify” philosophy.
Higher gas limits and faster execution can also be achieved without pushing smaller participants out of the system.
EIP-8025 emphasizes flexibility and security. Proofs from multiple clients are shared across the network, and validators accept a block once enough independent proofs have been verified (currently proposed to be three out of five).
This approach preserves diversity among client software while keeping the network safe, inclusive, and resistant to centralization.
SponsoredInstitutional Momentum and Tomorrow’s Workshop Signal a New Era for Ethereum Validation
The timing could not be more relevant. Ethereum’s institutional adoption is surging in 2026, with Fidelity Digital Assets, Morgan Stanley, Grayscale, BlackRock, and Standard Chartered actively building or investing in the network.
“2026 is off to a fast start on Ethereum…One month in. Should be a fun year,” remarked David Walsh, head of enterprise at the Ethereum Foundation.
Tokenized assets, stablecoins, and staking products continue to expand, while projects like the Glamsterdam hard fork (featuring enshrined proposer-builder separation, ePBS) support the practical implementation of ZK proof generation on L1.
L1-zkEVM development also benefits Layer 2 rollups and zkVM vendors such as ZisK, openVM, and RISC Zero, who are already proving Ethereum blocks today. Standardizing the execution witness and ZK VM APIs creates shared infrastructure, enabling both L1 validators and L2 protocols to leverage the same proofs.
The February 11 workshop will cover six core sub-themes:
Sponsored Sponsored- Execution witness and guest program standardization
- zkVM-guest API standardization
- Consensus layer integration
- Prover infrastructure
- Benchmarking, and
- Formal verification for security.
It marks the official kickoff of Ethereum’s 2026 roadmap to make block validation optional, proof-driven, and far more efficient.
If adoption grows, EIP-8025 could make full-verifying nodes viable on laptops again and scale Ethereum’s base layer without sacrificing decentralization or security.
For validators, developers, and users alike, this may be the moment Ethereum’s block validation truly enters a new era.
Tomorrow’s L1-zkEVM workshop promises a first glimpse at what could become Ethereum’s most transformative architectural leap since The Merge.
