Objective
Zero-knowledge (ZK) systems are foundational to modern
privacy-preserving technologies, yet ensuring the correctness of
their increasingly complex implementations remains a major
bottleneck. The high stakes involved---for instance, the 745
million USD in digital assets managed by the Linea blockchain
that relies on such infrastructure---highlight the critical need
for a scalable and reliable solution. Currently, correctness
relies heavily on costly and labor-intensive manual audits, which
do not scale effectively.
CIRCUZZ addresses this gap by commercializing a breakthrough
automated-testing technology derived from the ERC-funded MirandaTesting
project. Originally developed for ZK circuit-processing pipelines, our
approach has since been generalized to ZK virtual machines
(zkVMs). Using metamorphic testing, CIRCUZZ systematically
uncovers critical correctness and security bugs across ZK systems
without manual intervention. The effectiveness of our approach is
already proven: our research prototype discovered more than 30
significant logic bugs in major, previously audited ZK
systems. These findings led to multiple real-world bug bounties,
with all reported issues acknowledged and nearly all fixed by
developers. With the support of key industry partners, including
a leading audit firm, this Proof-of-Concept project will
transform our prototype into a robust, commercial-grade solution
for continuous validation of ZK systems, validate a
testing-as-a-service business model, and prepare the groundwork
for launching a spinout company. CIRCUZZ will thus provide an
essential safety net for the rapidly expanding ZK ecosystem,
accelerating the creation of trustworthy digital infrastructure.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
- social sciences economics and business business and management business models
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1040 Wien
Austria
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.