On September 9, Lattice Jolt was launched, a new version of a computation verification system designed to withstand quantum attacks. According to developers from a16z crypto, the creation and verification of proofs have been accelerated by two to three times.
Introducing Lattice Jolt ⚡️
A new version of our open-source zkVM (zero-knowledge virtual machine): faster and post-quantum, with compact proofs built on lattice-based cryptography.
The key unlock is Akita, a new polynomial commitment scheme. @LayerZero_Core led its development… https://t.co/lplkHVbU6J
— a16z crypto (@a16zcrypto) September 9, 2026
Lattice Jolt allows for the verification of program execution correctness using a compact cryptographic proof, eliminating the need for the verifying party to redo all computations. Such tools are essential for scaling blockchains.
Switching from Elliptic Curves to Lattices
The core of this update is Akita, a cryptographic component developed by the LayerZero team in collaboration with researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Southern California, and a16z crypto.
Akita replaces Dory, a part of Jolt that relied on elliptic curves. The new component utilizes mathematical lattices.
Developers aim to provide a 128-bit security level, including against quantum attacks.
A similar mathematical approach underpins the post-quantum standards ML-KEM and ML-DSA, which were approved by NIST in 2024 for encryption key establishment and digital signatures.
LayerZero has linked the release of Akita to the advancement of its own blockchain, stating:
“This is the first significant step toward Quantum-Proof Zero.”
The project team explained that Jolt serves as the foundation for the Zero proof system and will be the initial major application of Akita. This component is also available for developers of other systems.
Furthermore, LayerZero emphasized that efforts to fully secure the Zero infrastructure against quantum threats will continue as the mainnet launch approaches and beyond.
Speed Improvements of the System
According to a16z, the shift to lattice-based cryptography has reduced the size of the numbers in core computations from 256 bits to 128 bits, thereby speeding up operations.
Experts noted that the previous version of Jolt produced proofs at a rate of about 1 million RISC-V cycles per second on a MacBook using a CPU. With Lattice Jolt, this figure has exceeded 2 million, and with a GPU connected through Apple Metal, it has reached 10 million. The specific model of the laptop was not disclosed in the announcement.
The tenfold increase in CPU speed has been achieved through two factors: the change in cryptographic scheme and the use of a GPU.
According to the project authors, the proof size for Lattice Jolt is under 100 KB.
LayerZero also stated that Akita allows for proof sizes to be reduced by 2 to 8 times compared to existing post-quantum alternatives, depending on the application.
Support for zero-knowledge disclosure for Lattice Jolt will be detailed in a separate paper. This feature is crucial for concealing sensitive data utilized in computations. Previously, a16z noted that the designation of zkVM does not inherently guarantee privacy.
The Jolt repository also indicates that the project is in its alpha stage and is not yet intended for industrial use.
It is worth mentioning that in September, IonQ specialists discussed the quantum computing power necessary to attack Bitcoin.