Aztec

For most of Ethereum’s history, every smart contract interaction has been public.

Now, Aztec Network is stepping in as the Private World Computer ⚡

It is a privacy-first Ethereum Layer 2 designed to bring programmable, zero-knowledge privacy to Ethereum. Instead of exposing balances, contract state, and user activity by default, Aztec enables encrypted smart contract execution while preserving full cryptographic verifiability.

Developers can build private smart contracts using Noir, a zk-native programming language that allows them to define precisely which data remains private and which remains public.

This unlocks:

• Confidential DeFi protocols

• Private identity and reputation systems

• Encrypted governance mechanisms

• Applications where user-level confidentiality is required

Aztec is not transaction obfuscation. It is programmable privacy enforced at the protocol layer and secured by Ethereum.

Aztec’s Ignition Chain launched on mainnet in November 2025, activating decentralized block production with a distributed set of sequencers and provers.

Alongside mainnet activation, the native $AZTEC token was distributed through a fully onchain auction, raising approximately 19,388 $ETH with thousands of participants. Following the auction, tokens were moved into Token Vaults, enabling holders to:

• Stake $AZTEC and earn block rewards

• Participate in protocol governance

A governance proposal approved the unlock schedule, with tradability expected around February 2026, allowing broader market access for those looking to acquire tokens to stake or trade.