# zkUSD Beta Readiness: Completing the Protocol for Full Operational Testing **URL:** \ **Category:** Mina Navigator Proposals\ **Created:** [January 23, 2025, 5:22pm UTC](https://forums.minaprotocol.com/t/zkusd-beta-readiness-completing-the-protocol-for-full-operational-testing/6786 "2025-01-23T17:22:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 2
**Author:** ![charlie](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex035/user_avatar/forums.minaprotocol.com/charlie/32/2221_2.png) [@charlie](https://forums.minaprotocol.com/u/charlie)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2025, 5:25pm UTC](https://forums.minaprotocol.com/t/zkusd-beta-readiness-completing-the-protocol-for-full-operational-testing/6786/2 "2025-01-23T17:25:28Z")
## Title zkUSD Beta Readiness: Completing the Protocol for Full Operational Testing ## Project Background The zkUSD stablecoin project aims to deliver an algorithmic stablecoin on the Mina Protocol. Previous development stages validated core assumptions, demonstrated a local proof-of-concept, and introduced integration testing with initial UI refinements. After achieving alpha testing on a devnet deployment—where users could open vaults, deposit test MINA, and mint zkUSD under simulated conditions—the protocol is now ready for its final stage of development before undergoing a full security audit and eventual mainnet launch. This final stage focuses on completing the remaining critical components: infrastructure setup, off-chain oracle software development, a branded landing page and documentation, and a comprehensive whitepaper detailing the protocol’s design and operations. The completion of these deliverables will mark zkUSD’s readiness for beta testing on devnet, paving the way for a full security audit and preparations for future exchange listings and business development efforts. For reference, the journey so far is documented in earlier proposals and repositories: - [Code Repository](https://github.com/zkUSD-Protocol/zkUSD/tree/main) - [zkUSD Feasibility Study](https://forums.minaprotocol.com/t/zkusd-algo-stablecoin/6584) - [zkUSD Deployment Readiness](https://forums.minaprotocol.com/t/zkusd-deployment-readiness/6756/2) ## Proposal Overview ### Problem While previous stages have brought zkUSD closer to production readiness, several key components remain incomplete. Without robust infrastructure, a fully operational oracle solution, user-facing documentation, and a whitepaper, the protocol cannot commence beta testing in a truly end-to-end operational state. These missing pieces hinder the next critical steps, including a full security audit and strategic exchange partnerships. ### Solution This proposal targets the final phase of pre-production work. By completing the infrastructure setup, delivering the off-chain oracle software, creating a polished public-facing landing page with documentation, and publishing a comprehensive whitepaper, zkUSD will achieve a mature, fully operational state on devnet. This state enables a broader community testing phase (beta testing) and ensures that zkUSD is primed for a subsequent full security audit and business development with exchanges. #### In Scope 1. **Infrastructure Setup** : 2. **Off-Chain Oracle Software Development** : 3. **Website and Documentation** : 4. **Whitepaper Development** : 5. **Beta Testing on Devnet** : #### Out of Scope - **Full Security Audit** : The comprehensive security audit will occur after this phase, once the protocol and infrastructure are fully in place and tested. - **Mainnet Launch** : Actual deployment to the Mina mainnet and related final go-to-market steps remain outside this proposal’s scope. ## Impact Completing this final stage of development will yield a production-ready zkUSD environment on devnet, ready for thorough community testing. With all critical components—technical, infrastructural, and informational—in place, zkUSD will be well-positioned for a subsequent security audit, strategic exchange discussions, and eventual mainnet deployment. By setting the stage for a well-documented and operational stablecoin, this proposal ensures zkUSD’s maturity and utility within the Mina ecosystem. This comprehensive readiness promotes confidence among users, developers, investors, and regulators, ultimately fostering a vibrant DeFi ecosystem on Mina and inspiring further innovations. ## Audience - **Developers** : Teams and individuals building DeFi applications who seek a robust stablecoin to integrate into their products. - **Users** : Existing and potential Mina ecosystem participants interested in leveraging their MINA holdings through zkUSD vaults and other DeFi primitives. - **Exchanges, Investors, and Partners** : Entities evaluating zkUSD for listing, liquidity provision, and strategic collaboration opportunities. ## Architecture & Design At this stage, the architecture encompasses all essential layers: - **Core Protocol on Mina** : The foundational smart contracts and circuit logic responsible for algorithmically managing the zkUSD supply through user vaults and collateral deposits, maintaining stable value and ensuring the system’s economic integrity. - **Oracle Integration** : Off-chain software feeding price data securely and reliably to maintain accurate collateralization metrics. - **Infrastructure & Admin Tools** : Redundant node setup, administrative interfaces for managing the oracle whitelist and fallback pricing, ensuring continuous protocol availability. - **UI & Documentation** : A polished frontend with intuitive UX for managing vaults, and comprehensive docs guiding users. - **Whitepaper** : Serving as the authoritative resource on zkUSD’s design, governance, and economics. By completing these components, the protocol’s design will be fully realized, enabling end-to-end testing and future-proofing the project for mainnet launch. ## Vision With the deployment now fully prepared for beta testing, zkUSD stands at the threshold of delivering tangible value. Its successful operational readiness on devnet lays the groundwork for a secure and stable financial tool within the Mina ecosystem. As zkUSD matures, it will empower further DeFi innovation—such as lending platforms, DEXs, and synthetic assets—cementing Mina’s position as a privacy-centric DeFi hub. The comprehensive solutions delivered in this stage will instill confidence in the protocol’s viability, attracting developers, users, and partners, and paving the way for a seamless mainnet launch after a rigorous security audit. ## Budget & Milestones **Duration** : 2 Months ### Deliverables - **Infrastructure & Node Setup** : A stable, redundant node and protocol admin tools. - **Off-Chain Oracle Software** : Containerized oracle tooling and documentation for operators to easily submit price data. - **Website & Documentation** : A public landing page with clear branding, documentation, and developer resources. - **Whitepaper** : A detailed whitepaper outlining the protocol’s architecture, economics, governance, and compliance framework. - **Beta-Ready Devnet Deployment** : A fully operational zkUSD environment on devnet, ready for community testing and feedback. ### Milestones **Midpoint (1 Month)** - Off-chain oracle software MVP completed. - Infrastructure partially set up and undergoing internal testing. - Draft whitepaper and initial version of landing page for review. **End of Project (2 Months)** - Full infrastructure online and tested. - Final version of whitepaper published. - Completed website and documentation. - Beta-ready zkUSD environment deployed on devnet for community testing. ### Budget Requested **Total:** 85,000 MINA **Budget Breakdown** 1. Infrastructure Setup & Protocol Administration Tools: 15,000 MINA 2. Off-Chain Oracle Software Development: 20,000 MINA 3. Website & Documentation: 25,000 MINA 4. Whitepaper Development: 10,000 MINA 5. Coordination, Testing & Beta Deployment: 15,000 MINA ## Team Info ### Proposer Github [Charlie Mack](https://github.com/Charlie-Mack) **Education:** Self taught programmer, professional history as Scrum Master/Agile coach in large financial institutions **Experience:** Spent the last 3 years building full stack web3 projects including: Nanobyte - browser wallet / payment processor for Nano Notifly - AI powered personalised newsfeeds for crypto projects Omnipus - LayerZero multi-chain defi memecoin project **Relevant Projects:** [Chainmail](https://github.com/HumptyDumptyDevs/chainmail) - A ZK Email marketplace [Foundry-Stablecoin](https://github.com/Charlie-Mack/foundry-stablecoin) - A working implementation of DAI in Solidity **Achievements** ETHDam 2024 (Finalist) - BlockLock - on-chain password manager ETH Berlin (Runner up) Chainmail - as above ### Team Members **Team member:** [Michał Adamczyk (anks)](https://github.com/adamczykm/) **Education:** Graduated IT from Warsaw University of Technology with a specialization in AI/ML. **Experience:** 12 years in software engineering spanning research, machine learning, full-stack web development, mobile development, low-level cross-platform libraries, and web3 smart contracts development. Over the last 3 years spent in web3: Cardano and then MINA. **Work included:** MinAuth - an o1js-based library and accompanying set of Typescript packages making it easy to set up authentication/authorization based on zero-knowledge proof verification. Liqwid finance DeFi - [https://liqwid.finance/](https://liqwid.finance/) cardano-transaction-lib - a Purescript library for building smart contract transactions on Cardano Agora - governance modules for Cardano protocols **Achievements:** Protokit prize at zkHack Kraków Discord handle: anks\_ **Team member:** [Vikrant Patankar](https://vikrant.design/) **Education:** Self-taught product designer and filmmaker with a professional background in user experience and branding design. **Work Experience:** - Studio Little Nice Things (2023–2025) – Product design and visual storytelling. - Deep Work Studio (2021–2023) – UX/UI design for Web3 startups. - Freelancing in Web3 (2021–Present) – Collaborated with projects like Spark MakerDAO, Obol Labs, and Omnipus. **Achievements:** - ETHDam 2024 (Finalist) - Socials: @vikr13nt ## Risks & Mitigations **Regulatory Uncertainty** - Risk: Changes in regulatory landscapes may require adjustments to governance or DAO structures. - Mitigation: Utilize compliance insights from previous phases, build flexible governance frameworks, and remain ready to adapt entity structures. **Technical Complexity** - Risk: Integrating infrastructure, oracle tooling, and UI components could introduce complexity and delays. - Mitigation: Employ early testing, and clear documentation to identify and resolve issues promptly. **Security Vulnerabilities** - Risk: Undiscovered vulnerabilities could surface during beta testing. - Mitigation: Conduct extensive internal testing, encourage community feedback, and plan for a subsequent full security audit prior to mainnet deployment. --- _[View the full topic](https://forums.minaprotocol.com/t/zkusd-beta-readiness-completing-the-protocol-for-full-operational-testing/6786)._