ZenIP IDEA: ZEN Staking Relaunch powered by zkVerify (VFY) Emissions

[rocket]

Abstract

This proposal reintroduces ZEN staking on Base with a straightforward premise: for the first year of the program, 100% of the VFY emissions earned by Horizen Foundation-operated zkVerify validator nodes will be directed into a community participation pool and distributed to ZEN stakers. This proposal also establishes a functional pathway to collaborate with projects launching in the Horizen ecosystem so that, where appropriate, a portion of their native dApp tokens can be included as staking rewards alongside ZEN and VFY all under a simple, transparent contribution framework.

Background / Context

zkVerify (VFY) launched its mainnet and conducted its TGE on September 30, 2025, marking a natural point to align validator activity with community incentives. While Horizen Foundation and zkVerify Foundation are distinct entities, they share technical lineage through Horizen Labs and a history of collaboration. Within the Horizen community, the idea of a VFY airdrop has circulated for some time. With ZEN now on Base and the prior staking arrangements deprecated during migration, translating the airdrop conversation into an ongoing participation model offers a cleaner, more durable approach to rewarding engagement.

Motivation

Community feedback has been consistent: staking is a core reason many holders choose to remain active in the ZEN ecosystem. Channeling validator emissions toward stakers acknowledges that loyalty and turns it into a sustained incentive loop that aligns with the long term growth ambitions of both Foundations. This ZenIP does not attempt to finalize parameters prematurely, instead, it secures a principle: those who show up and stake ZEN should share in the upside generated by validator operations.

Specification (high level, parameter neutral)

The staking program routes Year-1 VFY emissions from Horizen Foundation-operated zkVerify validators into a participation pool that distributes rewards to ZEN stakers on Base. To fairly recognize today’s community while discouraging opportunistic behavior, periodic snapshots of ZEN holdings will be taken before the program is live and reflected in initial staking rewards once the program is live. The staking platform may be delivered by internal teams or external partners, with final mechanics, schedules, and interfaces communicated before launch. In parallel, a lightweight contribution framework will allow ecosystem projects to top up the pool with additional tokens so that rewards can reflect broader network participation.

Reporting & Communications

Communication will emphasize clarity and predictability. As technical details are finalized, they will be published in plain language with a concise overview of reward accrual, claiming, and any key guardrails. Regular updates will keep stakers informed of progress, timelines, and any partner contributions to the pool, and maintain a clear record of what has shipped and what is next.

Security & Privacy

Details about distribution mechanics, audits, and any optional privacy capabilities will be disclosed as implementation is finalized. The objective is to deliver a safe, intuitive staking experience first, then iterate with community feedback while preserving operational transparency.

[Lukas]

I think this is a well-thought-out and innovative approach to bringing staking back into the Horizen ecosystem. Routing zkVerify’s VFY emissions to ZEN stakers is a clever way to reward loyalty and participation while creating stronger ties between Horizen and zkVerify. It turns what could have been a one-time airdrop into an ongoing engagement model, which feels much more aligned with long-term community building.

That said, the success of this idea will depend a lot on execution and on the strength of the VFY token economy. The first year of rewards will be important for building trust and momentum, and transparency will be key for keeping expectations clear. If VFY rewards end up being volatile, it might be worth considering a small base ZEN component or another stabilizing mechanism.

There are still open questions to clarify in the final ZenIP, but they seem manageable with careful design and community input. The core principle: rewarding those who actively stake and support network growth → is strong. If implemented securely and sustainably, this could become a great example of how Horizen and zkVerify can grow together. Looking forward to seeing how the final parameters take shape.

[Trololino]

I think it’s a good idea to give VFY to ZEN stakers instead of giving it one time airdrop. It gives incentives for people to hold ZEN. I would like to know how much (amount of) VFY emissions over this one year we are talking about. Maybe add a lottery system in it as well for some random ZEN stakers (no matter the size) to receive bonuses once in a while (like PoW miner finding a block).

[NhuelCryp]

I see this as a positive and strategic move for Horizen. By reintroducing ZEN staking on Base and redirecting 100% of zkVerify validator emissions VFY to community stakers for the first year, it rewards loyalty while strengthening participation. It shifts the idea of a one-time airdrop into a sustainable, ongoing rewards model

[PVM]

This is exactly the kind of sustainable, community-driven proposal Horizen needs right now.

Reintroducing ZEN staking on Base with VFY emissions flowing directly to the community creates real value.

I am happy to see that this is put in action, as a direct response for what the community asked from Horizen

[dust]

Staking ZEN to earn VFY rewards is an excellent proposal. It gives ZEN a practical use and helps increase VFY’s recognition, especially by encouraging people to withdraw ZEN from Binance. I doubt Binance would give you VFY just for holding ZEN there.

[Alexios]

Very good proposal. Bringing back ZEN staking together with VFY emissions gives real value to the community again. Rewarding long term stakers is a smart idea and fits well with what many people here we are waiting for.

[blockops]

Looks like it is a good proposal, with community support. Time to move this to a vote?

[dust]

Fully supported. Fully supported…