{"id":"xlink","version":1,"language":"en","title":"XLink","hidden":false,"content":"**XLink** is a bidirectional bridge that enables asset transfers between [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) and its [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) solutions. Unlike typical cross-chain bridges, it simplifies the user experience by abstracting the differences between [Layer 1](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-1) and [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2), providing a seamless [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) experience. Users can interact with [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) [smart contracts](https://iq.wiki/wiki/smart-contract) using native [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc) or [Layer 1](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-1) assets issued on [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin). [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-78fb6ph4bjf)  \n  \n# History  \n  \n> “[ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) Lab Foundation proposes to our community that we spin-off [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) Bridge into a separate entity called XLink, because the secure and efficient performance of a [crypto](https://iq.wiki/wiki/cryptocurrency) bridge is best assured when the [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) and others securing it are the key stakeholders that govern it.”  \n  \nIn November 2023, the majority of $ALEX and $atALEX token holders backed the transition of the [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) Bridge to become an independent entity named XLink. Emerging from [ALEX Labs](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex), creators of the [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) Bitcoin DeFi platform, XLink focuses on innovating by combining the security of Bitcoin's foundational layer with the flexibility of [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) protocols. While operating autonomously, XLink maintains a collaborative relationship with its parent platform, sharing the mutual goal of advancing the Bitcoin ecosystem. XLink aims to offer [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc) holders efficient access to opportunities within the [Stacks](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stacks) ecosystem, emphasizing benefits such as reduced [gas](https://iq.wiki/wiki/gas) fees and improved [liquidity](https://iq.wiki/wiki/pol-protocol-owned-liquidity). [\\[2\\]](#cite-id-ozlid5kk14)[\\[3\\]](#cite-id-8zjqd55jwzv)  \n  \n# Overview  \n  \nLaunched in December 2023, XLink is a [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) bridge that connects [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) with [Ethereum's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) ecosystem, aiming to streamline interactions with [EVM](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum-virtual-machine-evm) [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi) platforms. It validates [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) events directly to enhance security and simplify cross-chain transactions, reducing risks and delays. XLink also facilitates [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) [Automated Market Maker (AMM)](https://iq.wiki/wiki/automated-market-maker) swaps, improving the efficiency of [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) transactions in [DeFi](https://iq.wiki/wiki/defi). XLink supports an integrated ecosystem by pooling [liquidity](https://iq.wiki/wiki/pol-protocol-owned-liquidity) and enabling collaboration across networks. Its connection with the [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) [AMM](https://iq.wiki/wiki/automated-market-maker) and Launchpad aids [liquidity](https://iq.wiki/wiki/pol-protocol-owned-liquidity) needs and supports participation in project launches across different [blockchains](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain). It abstracts the differences between [Bitcoin's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) [Layer 1](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-1) and [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) protocols, allowing users to engage with smart contracts using native [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) or [Layer 1](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-1) assets. The bridge facilitates bidirectional asset transfers between [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) and its [Layer 2s](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2), using [multi-signature wallets](https://iq.wiki/wiki/multi-signature-wallet) and cryptographic proof mechanisms for accuracy. [Validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) monitor transfers, and assets are sent once a threshold is reached, with support from ALEX's [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) Oracle to ensure proper consensus. [\\[1\\]](#cite-id-78fb6ph4bjf)[\\[4\\]](#cite-id-yzpswnnhkj)[\\[6\\]](#cite-id-yufsf29yhj)  \n  \nXLink's development focuses on enhancing security, integrating with [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin)-specific and general [blockchain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain) protocols, expanding connections to [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) [Layer 2](https://iq.wiki/wiki/layer-2) solutions, and increasing interoperability with non-[Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) [blockchains](https://iq.wiki/wiki/blockchain). The goal is to establish XLink as a vital link within the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) ecosystem, facilitating interaction between communities and [liquidity](https://iq.wiki/wiki/pol-protocol-owned-liquidity) sources to unlock new opportunities and align with [ALEX's](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) broader goals. XLink simplifies access to [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) for non-[Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) users. It supports [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) and [BNB Chain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/binance-smart-chain) and plans to extend support to more [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin)-related assets like [BRC-20](https://iq.wiki/wiki/brc-20) tokens in [ERC-20](https://iq.wiki/wiki/erc-20) format. Each project launched on [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) Launchpad will offer tokens in both formats to increase accessibility. XLink is also working on streamlining processes such as converting [USDT](https://iq.wiki/wiki/tether) to [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc) for [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum) users, aiming to make [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) opportunities more globally accessible. [\\[6\\]](#cite-id-yufsf29yhj)  \n![65f300eac1fdc0184e1186db_XLINK_Pioneers_Liquidity-p-800.png](https://ipfs.everipedia.org/ipfs/QmQWRmifNvvkCiqSqerR8gTT67nHeburW4FKnMiZGiJgXw)  \n  \n# ALEX BTC (aBTC)  \n  \naBTC, also known as [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc), operates as a fully functional SIP-010 token within the [Stacks](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stacks) ecosystem, where each unit of aBTC represents an equivalent amount of [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) locked in the [multi-sig](https://iq.wiki/wiki/multi-signature-wallet) operated by the [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) Lab Foundation. Its function is comparable to [WETH](https://iq.wiki/wiki/weth-wrapped-eth) for [Ethereum](https://iq.wiki/wiki/ethereum), facilitating the interaction of [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc) with smart contracts on the [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) network. When a [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc) holder engages with smart contracts on [Stacks](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stacks), [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) Bridge receives the [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc) into its [multi-sig](https://iq.wiki/wiki/multi-signature-wallet). It initiates the [minting](https://iq.wiki/wiki/minting) of corresponding aBTC, enabling interaction with relevant smart contracts on behalf of the [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc) holder. Conversely, aBTC holders can interact with smart contracts on [Stacks](https://iq.wiki/wiki/stacks) to withdraw [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc) into their Bitcoin wallets, prompting [Bitcoin](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin) Bridge to burn aBTC and release the corresponding [BTC](https://iq.wiki/wiki/bitcoin-btc) from its [multi-sig](https://iq.wiki/wiki/multi-signature-wallet). [\\[5\\]](#cite-id-tq84a0lccnc)  \n  \n# XLNK  \n  \nIn a governance proposal submitted on February 6, 2024, XLink plans to launch the XLNK [token](https://iq.wiki/wiki/governance-tokens), which will be overseen by the XLink [DAO](https://iq.wiki/wiki/dao) Foundation (XLinkDAO), which was established to govern XLink's operations and ensure its sustained development. Governed by the [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) Lab Foundation, which [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) token holders oversee, this governance structure ensures that the value generated by XLink and XLNK benefits the [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) ecosystem and its contributors. A strategic allocation of 10% of the XLNK supply will be awarded to [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) holders, allowing them to participate directly in XLink's governance while remaining engaged with [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex). These tokens will be distributed gradually to economically contributing [ALEX](https://iq.wiki/wiki/alex) holders over time. XLNK serves as the operational token for XLink, meeting its distinct needs for operational funds, marketing resources, and governance. The proposed tokenomics will fund XLink's operations and ecosystem expansion, attract institutional investment, incentivize [validators](https://iq.wiki/wiki/validator) to secure the bridge, and potentially be used as payment for bridge services. [\\[3\\]](#cite-id-8zjqd55jwzv)  \n  \n# Partnerships  \n  \n* AdamSwap  \n* AILayer  \n* Anome  \n* Apro  \n* [Arbitrum Foundation](https://iq.wiki/wiki/arbitrum)  \n* Aurora  \n* [Berachain](https://iq.wiki/wiki/berachain)  \n* Bit Reserve  \n* BitGenie  \n* Bitlayer  \n* BitLen  \n* BitPerp  \n* BOB  \n* BSquared Network  \n* [Camelot](https://iq.wiki/wiki/camelot-dex)  \n* Cobo  \n* CoinCover  \n* Colend  \n* [Core](https://iq.wiki/wiki/core-dao)  \n* Gaze  \n* [Glyph](https://iq.wiki/wiki/glyph)  \n* Kim Exchange  \n* [Manta Network](https://iq.wiki/wiki/manta-network)  \n* Master Protocol  \n* Mode  \n* NLX  \n* OP Net  \n* Orange Layer  \n* Ordeez  \n* Pell  \n* Rune Mine  \n* StratoVM  \n* Tuna Chain  \n* X Layer  \n* Zulu Network","summary":"XLink, formerly ALEX Bridge, is a Bitcoin DeFi platform enabling users to interact with L2 smart contracts using native BTC or L1 assets.","categories":[{"id":"defi","title":"Decentralized Finance"}],"promoted":0,"tags":[{"id":"Protocols"}],"metadata":[{"id":"references","value":"[{\"id\":\"78fb6ph4bjf\",\"url\":\"https://docs.alexgo.io/bitcoin-bridge/what-is-the-bitcoin-bridge\",\"description\":\"What is the Bitcoin Bridge? | XLink Docs\",\"timestamp\":1711380844292},{\"id\":\"ozlid5kk14\",\"url\":\"https://medium.com/alexgobtc/alex-governance-proposal-to-transition-the-alex-bridge-into-a-separate-entity-dbbbc3be60f4\",\"description\":\"ALEX Governance Proposal: ALEX Bridge Transition | Medium\",\"timestamp\":1711381033806},{\"id\":\"8zjqd55jwzv\",\"url\":\"https://medium.com/alexgobtc/alex-governance-proposal-xlnk-approval-and-tokenomics-d65024df0626\",\"description\":\"ALEX Governance Proposal: $XLNK Approval and Tokenomics | Medium\",\"timestamp\":1711381076775},{\"id\":\"yzpswnnhkj\",\"url\":\"https://www.altcoinbuzz.io/cryptocurrency-news/xlink-launch-bridging-bitcoin-to-ethereum-to-boost-defi-transactions/#:~:text=Home%20Cryptocurrency%20News-,XLINK%20Launch%3A%20Bridging%20Bitcoin%20to%20Ethereum%20to%20Boost%20DeFi%20Transactions,for%20a%20holistic%20user%20experience\",\"description\":\"XLINK Launch | Altcoin Buzz\",\"timestamp\":1711381129840},{\"id\":\"tq84a0lccnc\",\"url\":\"https://medium.com/alexgobtc/abtc-from-alex-a-practical-step-towards-bitcoin-defi-ccb6ec684d87\",\"description\":\"aBTC, ALEX BTC | XLink Docs\",\"timestamp\":1711381351197},{\"id\":\"yufsf29yhj\",\"url\":\"https://medium.com/@XLinkBTC/xlink-roadmap-for-2024-01f8f10f731e\",\"description\":\"XLink Roadmap | Medium\",\"timestamp\":1730232843152}]"},{"id":"website","value":"https://www.xlink.network/"},{"id":"contract_url","value":"https://explorer.hiro.so/txid/sp2xd7417hgprtremkf748vneqpdrr0rmanb7x1nk.token-abtc"},{"id":"twitter_profile","value":"https://twitter.com/XLinkbtc"},{"id":"discord_profile","value":"https://discord.gg/xlink"},{"id":"coingecko_profile","value":"https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/xlink-bridged-btc-stacks"},{"id":"medium_profile","value":"https://medium.com/alexgobtc/newsletter-xlink-goverance-proposal-greater-wallet-integration-global-events-and-new-project-a94a8d805385"},{"id":"previous_cid","value":"QmVSKhV8grnBMTWACF5KXFRecyRxjYBCVgU3mYxWCYEVEN"}],"user":{"id":"0xacb6c5AD52b8f605299B0d774CE97F26e3DB80c2"},"author":{"id":"0xacb6c5AD52b8f605299B0d774CE97F26e3DB80c2","profile":{"username":"JSD","avatar":""}},"media":[{"name":"XLinkonomics.webp","id":"QmXCpK4bcJy5GVjm3jKz8yRiHPECQoAqeaMZexxiSgsonk","size":"0.01","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"},{"name":"65f300eac1fdc0184e1186db_XLINK_Pioneers_Liquidity-p-800.png","id":"QmQWRmifNvvkCiqSqerR8gTT67nHeburW4FKnMiZGiJgXw","size":"0.08","type":"GALLERY","source":"IPFS_IMG"}],"views":137,"events":[{"id":"141a5bdc-9f2b-493f-a4ba-9e7b66fcf154","title":"Unveiled XLink","description":"XLink Launches","type":"CREATED","date":"2023-12-01","link":"https://www.xlink.network/blogs/xlink-bridging-bitcoin-and-the-world","multiDateStart":null,"multiDateEnd":null,"country":null,"continent":null}],"linkedWikis":null,"founderWikis":[],"blockchainWikis":[],"ipfs":"QmVSKhV8grnBMTWACF5KXFRecyRxjYBCVgU3mYxWCYEVEN","transactionHash":"0xd32e346294b173e2d639089eb5f3768fa949a5a9502d49571018cf5998f45342","created":"2024-03-25T16:11:35.574Z","updated":"2024-10-29T21:13:41.506Z","images":[{"id":"QmVJKWhaZ3HYw4pD5jFbUW6e2UmAzeGGh7TiiYA8FKjw5v","type":"image/jpeg, image/png"}]}