Five Leading Projects in the zkSync Ecosystem

The zkSync ecosystem has seen rapid expansion, driven by a wave of pioneering projects that harness ZK Rollup technology to deliver efficient, cost-effective decentralized solutions. Here are five standout projects pushing DeFi forward by introducing advanced trading, derivatives, cross-chain bridging, and liquidity aggregation functionalities on zkSync.

ZigZag: Order Book-Based DEX on zkSync

ZigZag is a native decentralized exchange (DEX) that sets itself apart by focusing on ZK Rollup integration within the zkSync ecosystem, delivering secure, reliable, and low-fee trading. Unlike conventional automated market maker (AMM) structures, ZigZag features a decentralized order book, empowering users with greater control over their trades.

The platform utilizes zkSync's Zero-Knowledge Rollups to batch transactions on Layer 2 (L2), enabling dramatically faster transaction speeds and negligible fees. This architecture also relieves congestion on Ethereum mainnet, boosting zkSync’s overall scalability.

ZigZag’s decentralized order book allows users to trade instantly without any prior registration, maintaining complete control over their assets. In highly liquid markets, ZigZag’s order book model outperforms traditional AMMs. Backed by major crypto market makers, ZigZag ensures unlimited liquidity with minimal slippage and fees for all users.

SynFutures Protocol: Decentralized Derivatives Platform

SynFutures Protocol introduces a decentralized synthetic derivatives platform, marking a major advancement in crypto futures trading. The platform enables the seamless addition and trading of diverse digital asset derivatives and token pairs, all collateralized by a single token.

The protocol operates as a decentralized futures contract system, letting users create custom futures contracts with just a few clicks, supporting virtually any trading pair. This permissionless feature democratizes derivatives markets, giving users unrestricted access to preferred contracts.

SynFutures has rolled out versions on multiple networks, including Ethereum mainnet and other Layer 2 solutions, underscoring its commitment to interoperability and accessibility for zkSync’s broad user base.

Orbiter Finance: Cross-Chain Bridge Solution

Orbiter Finance is a decentralized Layer 2 aggregation bridge, notable for deploying contracts only on the destination side. This innovative setup facilitates low-cost, instant transfers between zkSync and other Layer 2 solutions, allowing users to move assets across Ethereum mainnet and various L2 networks economically.

Orbiter Finance delivers key advantages: First, its Rollup-based security eliminates the risks associated with L1 bridges, adding an extra layer of protection for zkSync users. Second, senders aren't required to interact directly with contract addresses, streamlining the transfer process.

Additionally, native Ethereum assets don't need to be minted during transfers and support liquidity through decentralized channels. This maintains asset integrity and fungibility across different chains in zkSync, preventing liquidity fragmentation seen with synthetic or wrapped tokens.

Via Protocol: Cross-Chain Liquidity Aggregator

Via Protocol is a cross-chain liquidity aggregation protocol offering two main products: a cross-chain liquidity aggregator and a cross-chain settlement system. Its aggregator function is central to zkSync’s liquidity landscape.

Via Protocol’s smart routing can automatically scan numerous decentralized exchanges and major cross-chain bridges, letting users swap tokens seamlessly using the fastest and most cost-effective pathways. This mass aggregation gives users access to the best liquidity across the crypto ecosystem.

The aggregator enables users to route orders to all available liquidity sources rapidly, leveraging execution pool liquidity on the target chain. Notably, Via Protocol’s smart contracts can pinpoint the highest annual percentage yield (APY) across multiple chains and automatically move assets to maximize returns. This empowers users to optimize their yield farming strategies across zkSync and other networks.

DeBridge: Cross-Chain Interoperability & Liquidity Transfer Protocol

DeBridge is a cross-chain interoperability and liquidity transfer protocol, enabling decentralized data and asset transfers across blockchains. Its smart contract interoperability is secured by an independent network of oracles and validators selected through deBridge governance.

The protocol supports asset movement between blockchains by locking and unlocking assets on the source chain and minting and burning packaged assets (deAsset) on secondary chains or L2s like zkSync. This lock-and-mint model preserves asset value during inter-ecosystem transfers.

Cross-chain communication is maintained by validators operating deBridge nodes, verifying transactions between protocol smart contracts on supported blockchains. This decentralized validation safeguards the integrity and security of all cross-chain transfers, mitigating risks from centralized bridges and ensuring robust zkSync integration.

Conclusion

The zkSync ecosystem has emerged as a hotbed of DeFi innovation, with numerous projects delivering value to users. The five projects covered here—ZigZag, SynFutures Protocol, Orbiter Finance, Via Protocol, and DeBridge—embody vital pillars of DeFi infrastructure: decentralized exchanges, derivatives, cross-chain bridges, and liquidity aggregation.

Each project capitalizes on zkSync’s ZK Rollup technology—offering fast transactions, low fees, and enhanced scalability—to deliver solutions that surpass the limitations of legacy Layer 1 systems. As the zkSync ecosystem matures, deeper platform integration is expected, further broadening user access to these cutting-edge technologies. ZigZag, as zkSync’s native DEX, will remain a cornerstone in the ecosystem’s sustainable growth alongside its peers.

FAQ

What is the outlook for zkSync?

zkSync is positioned for strong growth, offering faster transactions and forming strategic partnerships in crypto payroll and banking. Its technology streamlines operational costs, establishing zkSync as a leader in crypto payroll and startup banking solutions.

What is the current value of zkSync?

As of December 19, 2025, 1 zkSync is worth approximately $0.0261. At this rate, you can purchase roughly 38.29 ZK for 1 USD.