Proof of Compute (zk-SNARK Verification)

Ensuring cryptographic assurance of work integrity without exposing sensitive data is central to Nodia’s trustless model. We employ zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge) to validate that each node performed its assigned computation correctly. Here’s how it works:

  1. On-Device Proof Generation

    • After a node completes its compute shard—whether that’s an AI inference, a video frame render, or a gradient computation—it invokes the embedded zk-SNARK library within its Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).

    • The node compiles a proof that it ran the exact code on the exact inputs, producing only a minimal 2 KB proof object. Raw inputs, model parameters, and outputs remain encrypted and never leave the device in plaintext.

  2. Lightweight On-Chain Verification

    • The proof object, together with a small verification key, is submitted as an on-chain transaction to Solana’s zk-SNARK verifier contract.

    • Solana validates the proof in under one second, using elliptic-curve pairings and polynomial commitment checks. A boolean “accept/reject” result is returned to the Nodia smart contract.

  3. Atomic Reward Settlement

    • Upon acceptance, the associated shard’s compute fee (plus any applicable bonuses) is minted and transferred to the node operator in a single atomic transaction.

    • Rejected proofs trigger automated re-sharding and dispatch to alternate nodes, ensuring that invalid or malicious work does not earn rewards.

  4. Privacy & Scalability

    • Data Obfuscation: zk-SNARKs reveal nothing about the computation beyond its correctness, preserving model confidentiality and data privacy.

    • Succinctness: 2 KB proofs and sub-second verification times enable the network to scale to thousands of shards per second without blockchain bloat.

By integrating zk-SNARK proofs at every step, Nodia transforms untrusted, heterogeneous hardware into a verifiable, secure compute platform—where every piece of work is mathematically guaranteed, yet remains completely private.

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