{"id":"benedikt-bunz","title":"Benedikt Bünz","content":"**Benedikt Bünz** is the co-founder and the Chief Scientist at [Espresso](https://iq.wiki/wiki/espresso) Systems, as well as an Assistant Professor at New York University (NYU), Bünz has significantly contributed to advancing cryptographic protocols and enhancing the privacy, usability, and security of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) applications. He has led several innovative projects and published influential papers in the field. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-tMnnKF75agCgB0QI) [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-KD4JJeq3vOODv5DW)​\n\n## Early Life & Education\n\nBünz pursued his higher education at Stanford University, where he developed his foundational expertise in cryptography and [blockchains](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain). During his tenure at Stanford from 2016 to 2022, he engaged with leading research projects and acquired a strong foothold in theoretical and applied cryptography. His academic background features scholarships and awards such as the Auslandsstipendium Studienstiftung from the German National Academic Foundation and a Semesterpreis from the University of Zurich, which highlighted his exceptional capabilities in research and thesis writing. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-tMnnKF75agCgB0QI)​\n\n## Career\n\n### Espresso Systems\n\nBünz holds the position of Chief Scientist and is a co-founder of [Espresso](https://iq.wiki/wiki/espresso) Systems, a company that innovates in the [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) space by focusing on enhancing the interoperability and efficiency of decentralized networks. Espresso Systems is best known for its HotShot consensus protocol, which is designed for rollups within [Ethereum's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) ecosystem. This protocol aims to provide high throughput and fast finality, blending Web2-like performance with [Web3](https://iq.wiki/wiki/web3) security. The Espresso Network's architecture allows robust cross-rollup interoperability, leveraging a decentralized [proof-of-stake](https://iq.wiki/wiki/proof-of-stake) model alongside unique mechanisms for data availability. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-F94AaQxIOhnWPMM4)​\n\n### Academic Contributions\n\nAs an Assistant Professor at NYU Courant, Bünz teaches courses in computer security and the cryptography of [blockchains](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain), contributing to the academic advancement of these subjects. His curriculum includes comprehensive insights into blockchain technologies, [zero-knowledge proofs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zero-knowledge-proofs-zkps), and the cryptographic principles underlying these systems. [\\[4\\]](#cite-id-VAGwdjLXaJe4Ir4E)​\n\n### Research and Innovations\n\nBünz has pioneered several transformative projects in cryptographic research. Notably, his work has explored new [zero-knowledge proof](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zero-knowledge-proofs-zkps) protocols like HyperPlonk, which promises a universal setup for ZKPs as opposed to application-specific setups like Groth16, focusing on hardware acceleration. Furthermore, Bünz's research into hash-based cryptography, exemplified by his project Flock, a high-speed batch-proof system, underscores his commitment to enhancing the scalability and security of [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) protocols using minimal cryptographic assumptions. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-KD4JJeq3vOODv5DW)​\n\n## Contributions to Crypto & Web3\n\nBenedikt Bünz has been instrumental in advancing the application of [zero-knowledge proofs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zero-knowledge-proofs-zkps) within the cryptocurrency space. His introduction of Bulletproofs at BPASE18 marked a significant innovation in borrowing scale efficiency without trusted setups, enhancing the practical deployment of privacy-preserving cryptographic proofs in decentralized ledgers. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-KD4JJeq3vOODv5DW)​\n\nFlock, one of his more recent contributions, applies AI in its development process to achieve anonymity without sacrificing efficiency, even defeating post-quantum challenges across traditional hash functions like SHA-256. This adaptability underscores Bünz's foresight in building future-proof cryptographic solutions that align with emerging regulatory needs and privacy concerns. [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-KD4JJeq3vOODv5DW)​\n\n## Interviews\n\n#### Shared Sequencing for Ethereum Rollups #01\n\nIn an interview published on the Founder Alpha YouTube channel on April 16, 2024, Benedikt Bünz discussed his views on [Ethereum's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) rollup-based scaling model and the concept of shared sequencing. He described [Espresso](https://iq.wiki/wiki/espresso) Systems as developing a sequencing marketplace in which rollups may delegate sequencing rights to shared sequencers through an optional auction mechanism. According to Bünz, this design is intended to allow a single sequencer to coordinate transaction ordering across multiple rollups while allowing individual rollups to continue operating their own sequencers if preferred.\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](-_hncTNTQbk)\n\nBünz stated that shared sequencing could support atomic execution across rollups, reduce coordination challenges between independent sequencers, and provide a framework for cross-rollup bridging and transaction ordering. He also explained that [Espresso's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/espresso) HotShot consensus protocol provides pre-confirmation of transaction ordering before settlement on [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), while final settlement continues to rely on the Ethereum network.\n\nDuring the interview, Bünz also discussed the relationship between shared sequencing and other interoperability approaches, including cross-rollup messaging systems. He described these technologies as complementary components of a modular [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) architecture, in which execution, sequencing, consensus, and settlement are handled by separate layers. [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-Hdg8vrJNjeENKYlm) \n\n#### Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Post-Quantum Cryptography #02\n\nOn July 14, 2026, Benedikt Bünz appeared on the Isabel Foxen Duke YouTube channel to discuss [zero-knowledge proofs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zero-knowledge-proofs-zkps) (ZKPs), post-quantum cryptography, and their possible applications within the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) protocol. During the interview, he described his views on the technical factors that have influenced the adoption of zero-knowledge proofs in Bitcoin and outlined research related to post-quantum cryptographic approaches.\n\n[YOUTUBE@VID](-_hncTNTQbk)\n\nBünz stated that [Bitcoin's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) development process has generally favored conservative protocol changes, which, in his view, has contributed to slower adoption of newer cryptographic techniques compared with some other [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) ecosystems. He also discussed recent developments in hash-based SNARKs, describing changes in their design, including the removal of trusted setup requirements and reductions in proof generation time. According to Bünz, these characteristics expand the range of scenarios in which such proofs can be applied, including blockchain verification, light clients, and signature aggregation.\n\nThe interview also covered post-quantum signature schemes for [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin). Bünz explained his preference for hash-based signatures as an initial approach because they are derived from cryptographic hash functions already used by the Bitcoin protocol, while acknowledging that these schemes generally produce larger signatures than lattice-based alternatives. He stated that [zero-knowledge proofs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/zero-knowledge-proofs-zkps) could be used to aggregate signature verification and reduce some of the overhead associated with larger signatures. In addition, Bünz discussed research conducted with Dan Boneh through Localhost Research on post-quantum cryptography for Bitcoin, including work related to evaluating cryptographic approaches for future protocol development. [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-NqsoY6V0KjhyZczs) ","summary":"Benedikt Bünz is a renowned cryptographer, professor, and cofounder of Espresso Systems, known for his research in zero-knowledge proofs and blockchain privacy technologies.","images":[{"id":"QmTb5FGd17QmdEkGKcHaTmv4XrysXXVJtYVxN5ZzzxqjkP","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}],"categories":[{"id":"people","title":"people"}],"tags":[{"id":"Researcher"},{"id":"Developer"},{"id":"Speaker"},{"id":"Ethereum"}],"media":[{"id":"Qme8X2KjqQ9hwE9RNjQg3ZNHy3DQerBFnRrcCqkZAao3BH","name":"64b6b6d18c3d1c29aab4a862_376A5807 1 (1).png","caption":"","thumbnail":"Qme8X2KjqQ9hwE9RNjQg3ZNHy3DQerBFnRrcCqkZAao3BH","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmNWHtKnToRntmHhSZLf6z2mUhkyuczgnGtmgD7TUiXp6w","name":"1562925171529.jpeg","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmNWHtKnToRntmHhSZLf6z2mUhkyuczgnGtmgD7TUiXp6w","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmUn3voZj7dMBwgV28LJ1zMNb3KMfrsW3NUuZh7KRxyQDw","name":"benedikt3.png","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmUn3voZj7dMBwgV28LJ1zMNb3KMfrsW3NUuZh7KRxyQDw","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"QmPjfddqMAQQ9XR3E4ShRGbDAo6FiFLsuXpr7UezhPh6Wb","name":"oZcFLhAO_400x400.jpg","caption":"","thumbnail":"QmPjfddqMAQQ9XR3E4ShRGbDAo6FiFLsuXpr7UezhPh6Wb","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_hncTNTQbk","name":"-_hncTNTQbk","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_hncTNTQbk","source":"YOUTUBE"},{"id":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8-4HWz5jV0","name":"v8-4HWz5jV0","caption":"","thumbnail":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8-4HWz5jV0","source":"YOUTUBE"}],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[{\"id\":\"tMnnKF75agCgB0QI\",\"url\":\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/buenz\",\"description\":\"Benedikt Bünz LinkedIn\",\"timestamp\":1785283916622},{\"id\":\"KD4JJeq3vOODv5DW\",\"url\":\"https://zeroknowledge.substack.com/p/benedikt-bunz-on-flock-fast-proving\",\"description\":\"Zero Knowledge Substack\",\"timestamp\":1785283916622},{\"id\":\"F94AaQxIOhnWPMM4\",\"url\":\"https://medium.com/@espressosys/espresso-hotshot-consensus-designed-for-rollups-b080ba7362d1\",\"description\":\"Espresso Systems Medium\",\"timestamp\":1785283916622},{\"id\":\"VAGwdjLXaJe4Ir4E\",\"url\":\"https://cs.nyu.edu/~bb/teaching/\",\"description\":\"NYU Course Syllabus\",\"timestamp\":1785283916622},{\"id\":\"Hdg8vrJNjeENKYlm\",\"description\":\"Shared Sequencing Espresso | Benedikt Bünz\\n\",\"timestamp\":1785284289447,\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_hncTNTQbk\"},{\"id\":\"NqsoY6V0KjhyZczs\",\"description\":\"Zero-Knowledge Proofs For Post-Quantum Bitcoin | BENEDIKT BÜNZ\\n\",\"timestamp\":1785284519247,\"url\":\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8-4HWz5jV0\"}]"},{"id":"linkedin_profile","value":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/buenz/"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://x.com/benediktbuenz"},{"id":"medium_profile","value":"https://medium.com/@espressosys"},{"id":"commit-message","value":"\"Added new wiki Benedikt Bünz\""}],"events":[],"user":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"author":{"id":"0x8af7a19a26d8fbc48defb35aefb15ec8c407f889"},"operator":{"id":"0xd5893989b9952c6568a99F854795AcC5Ae480D56"},"language":"en","version":1,"linkedWikis":{"blockchains":[],"founders":[],"speakers":[]}}