Gemini Upgrades to Zakura Software for Enhanced Zcash Performance

TechGemini Upgrades to Zakura Software for Enhanced Zcash Performance

Gemini's new Zakura implementation managed to synchronize with the network in slightly over six hours, a significant improvement compared to the nearly full day required by its previous software.

By Shaurya Malwa|Edited by Jamie CrawleySep 30, 2026, 4:27 a.m. EDT 2 min read

Crypto exchange Gemini (GEMI) has transitioned to a new software, Zakura, for its Zcash operations in light of an upcoming upgrade that aims to reduce the time it takes to generate new blocks from 75 seconds to 25 seconds.

Gemini reported on Tuesday that the new Zakura software was able to synchronize with the latest block in just over six hours during its deployment, a stark improvement over the nearly 24 hours that the previous Zebra software required.

This six-hour synchronization time indicates how quickly a system can update itself after it has been offline or has fallen behind. In an additional test, developers recorded a synchronization time of four hours and 20 minutes for Zakura, compared to almost 21 hours for Zebra.

Furthermore, Zakura offers a method to quickly bring a new computer online by utilizing a saved copy of recent data from the network, allowing for a process approximately 680 times faster than traditional synchronization methods.

Gemini is operated by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, who have interests in Zcash that extend beyond the exchange itself.

Their investment firm recently led a $59 million funding round for Cypherpunk Technologies, a publicly traded entity involved in holding and mining ZEC. In August, a Winklevoss affiliate sold Cypherpunk a Zcash mining operation for $33 million, and Cypherpunk has stated that Gemini manages trading and custody of its ZEC assets.

Read More: A Winklevoss-backed Zcash mining bet is on track to hit $125 million a year

Implications for Traders

Every cryptocurrency exchange operates its own node for the respective network. When users send ZEC to Gemini, it does not immediately become tradable; the exchange's computer must first detect and verify the transaction before crediting the user's account.

If the node becomes unresponsive or falls behind, deposits may arrive while the user’s balance remains unchanged, prompting the exchange to pause transactions involving that coin until synchronization is complete. The duration of this pause is largely dependent on how quickly the system can update its network copy.

The upcoming Zcash upgrade, known as NU7, aims to reduce the block generation time to 25 seconds, meaning that nodes will need to process new batches of transactions three times more frequently. Developers are aiming for a November 5 activation for this change.

As of now, Gemini has not released performance tests for Zakura under the faster NU7 schedule. NU7 is set to be implemented on Zcash's test network on October 6, with developers planning to evaluate the results before confirming the mainnet upgrade date of November 5.

Read More: Zcash targets November upgrade to make private payments up to three times faster

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