Manta drops OP stack for Polygon CDK

This transition will enable Manta to build a modular zkEVM network

article-image

rafapress/Shutterstock modified by Blockworks

share

Manta Pacific will transition from its current status as an optimistic rollup to becoming a zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine validum.

Following the mainnet deployment of Manta Pacific last month, the team at Manta has decided it will ditch the OP stack in favor of the Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK). 

Kenny Li, chief operating officer at Manta Networks, notes that this decision was made because Manta wants to leverage zero-knowledge tech to support faster finality speeds.

“We are leveraging Polygon CDK because Manta Pacific intends to transition into zkEVM in order to offer a cryptographically based approach on the infrastructure level,” he said. “This approach offers better security guarantees and a smoother user experience when it comes to actions such as withdrawing from the network.” 

Read more: Manta Network deploys L2 Manta Pacific to scale zk adoption

Li noted that zk proofs can reach finality in minutes or seconds using mathematical methods rather than waiting days before a transaction reaches finality on an optimistic rollup that relies on fraud proofs and socio-economic incentives.

Another reason that Manta will be moving to the Polygon CDK is because it enables modular design.

Read More: The future is light: Blockchain goes modular 

“Manta Pacific is taking advantage of modularity and intends to leverage various components that combine to offer the best user experience. From the DA side, Manta Pacific will integrate Celestia after Celestia launches mainnet in order to reap the benefits of lower gas fees, which is passed back to the users,” Li said.


Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters:

Tags

Decoding crypto and the markets. Daily, with Byron Gilliam.

Upcoming Events

Javits Center North | 445 11th Ave

Tues - Thurs, March 24 - 26, 2026

Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) will feature conversations between the builders, allocators, and legislators who will shape the trajectory of the digital asset ecosystem in the US and abroad.

recent research

Report Neutrl Cover.png

Research

Neutrl is a synthetic dollar protocol designed to monetize structural inefficiencies in crypto markets, with a particular focus on hedged OTC token arbitrage. By pairing discounted locked-token purchases with delta-neutral hedging, the protocol offers yields that are less dependent on funding rate cycles than traditional cash and carry strategies. Early traction has been strong, with TVL growing from $120M to $210M following the removal of deposit caps, while sNUSD currently yields materially more than competing yield-bearing stablecoins. The key question for Neutrl is scalability: whether access to high-quality OTC deal flow and disciplined liquidity management can support continued TVL growth without compressing returns.

article-image

As Hyperliquid and Lighter battle for perps DEX dominance, Boros could capture the structural upside

article-image

Investors are often right about the future, but wrong about the returns

article-image

A look back at 2025, reflections on our industry, and what it means for Blockworks in 2026

article-image

Hyperliquid’s weekly volume trails newer rivals as a Lighter airdrop looms

article-image

Gold is having its best year since 1979, while many DeFi names are trading near multi-year lows

by Carlos /
article-image

Maple is outperforming peers on growth, yield, and revenue — while benefiting from limited supply overhang and clear value accrual

by Carlos /