Hong Kong — Space and Time Labs, supported by Microsoft and fresh off a $20 million Series A round, has launched the SXT Chain testnet—a blockchain built to deliver zero-knowledge (ZK)-proven data to smart contracts. This innovation promises to reshape decentralized finance (DeFi) by offering developers a powerful suite of tools for creating data-driven, advanced smart contracts.
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SXT Chain is engineered to index data across major blockchains, including Ethereum, ZKsync, and various EVM and Move chains, storing this data in a decentralized network of database nodes. Using its proprietary Proof of SQL technology—a ZK coprocessor designed to handle sub-second SQL queries—developers can now access, verify, and connect accurate data directly to smart contracts. This approach resolves a core issue in blockchain technology: reliable and scalable access to onchain data.
For instance, traditional lending relies on credit scores to determine interest rates, while onchain lending protocols have been forced to apply uniform rates due to the lack of accessible borrower data. SXT Chain’s technology changes that by allowing onchain lending protocols to generate an onchain “credit score” from a wallet’s loan history.
“Our focus from day one has been making smart contracts smarter by connecting them to a verifiable database. SXT Chain in testnet empowers developers to build more sophisticated applications onchain, and we’re excited to be advancing DeFi alongside industry leaders like ZKsync and Chainlink.”
Nate Holiday, CEO & Co-Founder of Space and Time
Verified by ZK proof, this score can be fed directly into a smart contract for a customized lending experience. One project already utilizing SXT Chain’s capabilities is Lendvest, an onchain credit-scoring protocol part of the Chainlink BUILD program.
Strengthening the Elastic Chain Ecosystem with ZKsync
In collaboration with ZKsync, Space and Time has also rolled out a custom ZK Chain within the Elastic Chain ecosystem. This ZK rollup serves as SXT Chain’s smart contract layer, enabling developers to deploy Solidity contracts seamlessly on SXT and access native and third-party DeFi apps for staking, payments, and more.
Alex Gluchowski, ZKsync’s Co-Inventor, noted:
“Space and Time’s ZK Chain contributes to expanding the Elastic Chain ecosystem. The integration aligns with our vision to provide developers with powerful tools for scaling Web3 securely.”
Alex Gluchowski, ZKsync’s Co-Inventor
SXT Chain’s integration with Chainlink allows developers to use the Chainlink Network for ZK-verifying query results—a cost-efficient solution compared to verification on Ethereum. With native integration into Chainlink Functions, SXT offers a ZK-proven database that supports the decentralized nature of data delivery.
Empowering Developers with Microsoft Partnership
Backed by Microsoft’s M12 Ventures, Space and Time has been working with Microsoft’s AI Co-Innovation Lab to further accelerate its tools. Kathleen Mitford, Microsoft’s CVP of Global Industry Marketing, remarked, “Microsoft is committed to advancing blockchain and decentralized data solutions. With Space and Time and Microsoft Azure, we’re empowering developers to build the next generation of blockchain use cases.”
Developers ready to integrate ZK-proven data into their smart contracts can now access the SXT Chain testnet and participate by completing quests on Galxe. This is a prime opportunity to harness the next level of blockchain technology, aimed at unlocking DeFi’s full potential through data-driven innovation.
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About Space and Time Labs
Space and Time Labs is a leader in decentralized data and zero-knowledge (ZK) technology, developing SXT Chain as a pioneering blockchain for ZK-proven data. Integrated with Space and Time’s Proof of SQL, SXT Chain empowers smart contracts to interact with onchain and offchain data at scale. Microsoft-backed, Space and Time partners with top financial institutions, enterprises, and Web3 applications.
