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BitVM on BOB

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BOB mainnet is live. BitVM is a new BTC bridge and is set to go live on mainnet in Q4 2025. You can try it out on testnet at bitvm-testnet.gobob.xyz.

Current Status: BitVM Testnet​

BitVM is currently running on testnet with significant improvements and new features that set it apart from previous iterations. The testnet represents a major step forward in bringing native BTC to DeFi applications while maintaining Bitcoin's security guarantees.

Key Testnet Features​

1. BitVM Operator Split​

BOB has pioneered splitting the BitVM operator role into two distinct parts:

  • Operator Node: Acts like a validator, performing complex BitVM operations
  • Operator LP: Supplies BTC temporarily during pegout operations

This separation mirrors the validator/staker relationship in PoS networks, reducing the capital requirements for individual operators.

2. Data Availability on Ethereum​

Leveraging BOB's hybrid L2 design, BitVM uses Ethereum's cheaper data storage instead of Bitcoin:

  • Challengers can access required data from Ethereum blobs
  • Maintains the same censorship resistance as Ethereum rollups like Arbitrum or Base
  • Significantly reduces costs compared to posting data to Bitcoin

3. Collateral Re-use​

Based on research by Citrea and CommonPrefix, BOB implements collateral re-use for operators:

  • Fixed BTC collateral amount instead of scaling with BitVM instances
  • Reduces capital requirements for operators
  • Enables more efficient capital utilization

Testnet Integration Partners​

The current testnet features integration with partners running BitVM:

  • P2P.org: Infrastructure and staking services
  • Lombard: Digital asset management and institutional services
  • Solv Protocol: DeFi infrastructure and yield optimization
  • Amber Group: Digital asset platform and trading services
  • Ankr: Web3 infrastructure and node services
  • RockawayX: Blockchain infrastructure and investment
  • Fiamma: DeFi protocol and yield strategies
  • UTXO Management: Bitcoin-focused investment and infrastructure
  • Luganodes: Blockchain infrastructure and node services
  • SatLayer: Bitcoin Layer 2 infrastructure and development

User Access via Gateway​

Users can access BitVM BTC on BOB through the Gateway interface at bitvm-testnet.gobob.xyz. Gateway provides:

  • Fast and cheap access to BitVM BTC
  • 3-block confirmation time
  • Complementary service to direct BitVM usage

Roadmap​

Q4 2025: Mainnet Launch​

The BitVM bridge, built by BOB and bitvm/acc partners, will launch on mainnet in Q4 2025. This launch represents:

  • Institutional Adoption: Early collaboration with future operators to ensure BitVM meets real-world needs
  • Product Shaping: Partners have the opportunity to influence product and client design
  • Security Alignment: BitVM aligns BTC bridge security with Ethereum L2 standards through fraud-proof "1-of-N" security

Beyond Mainnet​

The roadmap extends beyond the initial mainnet launch with ongoing development focused on:

  • Ecosystem Growth: Expanding the network of operators and partners
  • Security Enhancements: Continuous improvement of the fraud-proof system
  • User Experience: Streamlining access and reducing barriers to entry
  • Cross-chain Integration: Expanding BitVM's reach across the broader blockchain ecosystem

Long-term Vision​

BitVM's long-term vision is to enable native BTC in DeFi applications while maintaining Bitcoin's security guarantees. This includes:

  • DeFi Integration: Seamless BTC usage in DeFi protocols
  • Institutional Adoption: Meeting the needs of institutional players
  • Decentralization: Maintaining maximal decentralization and censorship resistance
  • Scalability: Supporting growing demand while maintaining security