What Is Scroll (SCR)? A Guide to Ethereum’s zkEVM Layer 2 Powerhouse

What Is Scroll?

Scroll is a developer-centric, Layer 2 zkEVM (zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine) rollup built to scale Ethereum. It offers faster transactions, lower gas fees, and high security without compromising on decentralization. Designed with both builders and end-users in mind, Scroll serves as an open, permissionless environment to launch decentralized applications (dApps).

🚀 A Quick History of Scroll

Scroll began with a clear mission: make Ethereum scalable and accessible for everyone. Key milestones include:

• October 2023: Launch of the Scroll Mainnet, marking its transition into a production-ready zkEVM rollup.
• Late 2023: Introduction of a $1M bug bounty program to strengthen ecosystem security.
• 2024: Collaboration with Axiom to develop OpenVM, pushing the boundaries of zero-knowledge proofs.
• 2025: Launch of Scroll Open and Open Campus, with global outreach programs such as the Africa Tour to empower developers worldwide.

🧠 What Is Scroll’s Mission?

Scroll’s goal is to power the Open Economy, a decentralized, permissionless internet where anyone can build, launch, and scale dApps. By significantly reducing gas costs and boosting throughput, Scroll makes Ethereum more usable, without sacrificing the core principles of decentralization and transparency.

🧩 Inside the Scroll Ecosystem

Scroll’s rapidly growing ecosystem includes a range of DeFi, cross-chain, and infrastructure protocols. Here are some highlights:

🔁 DEXs and Liquidity Protocols

• Ambient: Scroll’s native DEX with a single smart contract design. Offers low fees, high liquidity rewards, and a fairer trading model.
• Nuri: A native liquidity layer built for Layer 2. It optimizes concentrated liquidity and is perfect for high-frequency LPs.
• Tempest: Built on Ambient, Tempest is an ALM (Automatic Liquidity Manager) offering a one-click solution to manage and deploy liquidity.

🌉 Cross-Chain Integrations

• Aave on Scroll: First zkEVM integration, allowing for decentralized borrowing/lending with minimal trust assumptions.
• Maverick Protocol: An advanced liquidity infrastructure optimized for efficiency and composability.
• Across & Symbiosis: Seamless multi-chain swaps and connectivity for users and dApps.
• Compound Finance: Enables lending and borrowing in a permissionless, EVM-compatible environment.

💱 Trading and Lending Tools

• Matcha Auto: DEX aggregator allowing trades on Scroll without requiring ETH for gas.
• Rho Markets: First native lending protocol on Scroll, supporting assets like ETH, wBTC, and LRTs with non-custodial security.
• Rollie Finance: A decentralized perpetual exchange (Perp DEX) offering leveraged trading, prediction markets, and AI-powered one-swipe trades.

💵 Stablecoins and Collateralized Lending

• Quill Finance: Brings over-collateralized lending to Scroll via its $USDQ stablecoin, ensuring ecosystem-wide liquidity and financial stability.

What Is $SCR and Why It Matters

$SCR is the native governance token of Scroll. It’s at the core of community decision-making and ecosystem development.

Key Use Cases for $SCR:

1. Governance Voting: Holders propose and vote on major upgrades and initiatives.
2. Ecosystem Incentives: Aligns developers, users, and community members under shared incentives to grow the Scroll ecosystem.

By decentralizing control and distributing power, $SCR ensures Scroll remains community-owned and future-proof.

What Makes Scroll Different From Other Layer 2s?

Scroll isn’t just another rollup, it’s a holistic ecosystem driven by a strong community and world-class technology.

✅ Unique Advantages:

• zkEVM Technology: Enables Ethereum compatibility with the speed and efficiency of zero-knowledge rollups.
• Founder & Builder Support: Global outreach, funding programs, and technical mentorships for dApp builders.
• Real-World Utility: Focused on adoption by partnering with regulators, developers, and institutions globally.
• Open & Inclusive: Permissionless ecosystem where anyone can deploy and use dApps.
• Security-First Approach: $1M bug bounty program and zero-knowledge cryptography ensure top-tier protection.

What’s Next for Scroll in 2025 and Beyond?

Scroll’s roadmap is ambitious and packed with innovations aimed at long-term scalability and decentralization.

2025 Highlights:

• Open Campus Activations: Global education initiatives to onboard the next wave of Web3 builders.
• Euclid Upgrade: First zk-rollup to reach Stage-1 classification—expected to cut transaction costs by 50%.
• 10,000 TPS Target: Achieving sub-cent fees without compromising Ethereum-level security.
• Ceno Launch: A new product debuting later this year, enhancing cross-platform dApp development.