Add zk-jam-service grant application

[abutlabs]

Project Abstract

zk-jam-service is a proof-of-concept that brings ZK proof verification to JAM. I want to build this because JAM developer resources are sparse. As someone interested in the ecosystem and a lifelong developer, it's not clear what can and can't be built on JAM (right now). The Graypaper serves academic contributors building client implementations, but there's not much movement for application-level developers. This project begins to bridge that gap with working code and direct feedback from the Web3 Foundation on what's valuable to build.

I've already deployed a functional JAM service to Parity's PolkaJam testnet that verifies Blake2s hashes through the full Refine → Accumulate pipeline. There's a web dashboard, CLI tools, and a block explorer—all open source. This grant funds the next phase: integrating ZK verification, benchmarking performance, and writing tutorials while building towards a production-ready zk-jam-service.

Grant level

• Level 1: Up to $10,000, 2 approvals
• Level 2: Up to $30,000, 3 approvals
• Level 3: Unlimited, 5 approvals (for >$100k: Web3 Foundation Council approval)

Application Checklist

• The application template has been copied and aptly renamed (project_name.md).
• I have read the application guidelines.
• Payment details have been provided (Polkadot AssetHub (USDC & DOT) address in the application and bank details via email, if applicable).
• I understand that an agreed upon percentage of each milestone will be paid in vested DOT, to the Polkadot address listed in the application.
• I am aware that, in order to receive a grant, I (and the entity I represent) have to successfully complete a KYC/KYB check.
• The software delivered for this grant will be released under an open-source license specified in the application.
• The initial PR contains only one commit (squash and force-push if needed).
• The grant will only be announced once the first milestone has been accepted (see the announcement guidelines).
• I prefer the discussion of this application to take place in a private Element/Matrix channel. My username is: @abutlabs:matrix.org

[github-actions]

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[abutlabs]

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[abutlabs]

I have read and hereby sign the Contributor License Agreement.

[abutlabs]

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[semuelle]

Hi @abutlabs, thank you for the application and the effort you have put into it. However, the Web3 Foundation has decided to shut down the Grants Program. Therefore, we are not accepting any new applications.

[abutlabs]

@semuelle That's unfortunate timing. Thanks for letting me know. I am still very interested in becoming part of the ecosystem and also began working on a decentralized JAM implementation.

For my education in working with W3F, can you please give me honest feedback on how this application would have gone (if the Grants program remained open and funded)? Is the idea even feasible for funding and what feedback and changes would be needed?

Last week, I published an initial version on crates.io with the idea that this could be a dev wrapper to spin up various jam clients and quickly get stock services deployed:
https://crates.io/crates/cargo-polkajam

[semuelle]

Hey @abutlabs. Generally, it looks like an interesting project. We had recently changed the guidelines to move to a more product-oriented program, so it would have still been difficult. That being said, Kusama Vision has a ZK-focused bounty that is about to launch. I would recommend chatting to the curators there to see if there is room for it. Details should be published very soon. Here is the original referendum: https://kusama.subsquare.io/referenda/498

Hope that helps. In any case, best of luck!

[semuelle]

@abutlabs: https://x.com/Zendetta/status/2011414901374451777