Hong Kong – Space and Time Labs, backed by Microsoft and fresh off a $20 million Series A round, has launched the SXT Chain testnet – a blockchain built to deliver zero-knowledge (ZK) proven data to smart contracts. This innovation promises to reshape decentralized finance (DeFi) by providing developers with a powerful suite of tools for creating data-driven, advanced smart contracts.
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SXT Chain is designed to index data across major blockchains, including Ethereum, ZKsync, and various EVM and Move chains, and stores this data in a decentralized network of database nodes. Using proprietary Proof of SQL technology (a ZK coprocessor designed to handle sub-second SQL queries), developers can now access, verify, and connect precise data directly to smart contracts. This approach solves a core problem in blockchain technology: reliable and scalable access to on-chain data.
For example, traditional lending relies on credit scores to determine interest rates, while on-chain lending protocols are forced to apply uniform rates due to the lack of accessible borrower data. SXT Chain’s technology changes that by allowing onchain lending protocols to generate an onchain “credit score” based on a wallet’s borrowing history.
“From day one, our focus has been on making smart contracts smarter by connecting them to a verifiable database. SXT Chain in testnet enables developers to build more advanced applications onchain, and we are excited to advance DeFi together with industry leaders like ZKsync and Chainlink.”
Nate Holiday, CEO and co-founder of Space and Time
This score is verified by ZK-proof and can be entered directly into a smart contract for a customized lending experience. One project already utilizing SXT Chain’s capabilities is Lendvest, an onchain credit scoring protocol that is part of the Chainlink BUILD program.
Strengthening the elastic chain ecosystem with ZKsync
In partnership with ZKsync, Space and Time has also rolled out a custom ZK Chain within the Elastic Chain ecosystem. This ZK rollup serves as SXT Chain’s smart contract layer, allowing developers to seamlessly deploy Solidity contracts on SXT and access native and third-party DeFi apps for staking, payments, and more.
Alex Gluchowski, co-inventor of ZKsync, commented:
“Space and Time’s ZK Chain contributes to the expansion of the Elastic Chain ecosystem. The integration aligns with our vision to provide developers with powerful tools to safely scale Web3.”
Alex Gluchowski, co-inventor of ZKsync
SXT Chain’s integration with Chainlink allows developers to use the Chainlink network for ZK verification of query results – a cost-efficient solution compared to verification on Ethereum. With native integration into Chainlink Functions, SXT offers a ZK-proven database that supports the decentralized nature of data delivery.
Empower developers with Microsoft Partnership
Backed by Microsoft’s M12 Ventures, Space and Time has collaborated with Microsoft’s AI Co-Innovation Lab to further accelerate its tools. Kathleen Mitford, Microsoft’s CVP of Global Industry Marketing, commented: “Microsoft is committed to advancing blockchain and decentralized data solutions. With Space and Time and Microsoft Azure, we enable developers to build the next generation of blockchain use cases.”
Developers ready to integrate ZK-proven data into their smart contracts can now access the SXT Chain testnet and participate by completing quests on Galxe. This is an exciting opportunity to leverage the next level of blockchain technology, aimed at unlocking the full potential of DeFi through data-driven innovation.
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About space and time laboratories
Space and Time Labs is a leader in decentralized data and zero-knowledge (ZK) technology and is developing SXT Chain as a breakthrough blockchain for ZK-proven data. Integrated with Space and Time’s Proof of SQL, SXT Chain enables smart contracts to interact with on- and off-chain data at scale. Space and Time is backed by Microsoft and partners with the best financial institutions, enterprises and Web3 applications.