Merlin Chain, a Bitcoin-native Layer 2 solution, enhances the Bitcoin network by employing advanced technologies that improve scalability, reduce transaction costs, and boost liquidity. Introduced in January 2024 by Bitmap Technology, Merlin Chain functions as a ZK-Rollup network, integrating decentralized oracle networks and data availability modules to support the Bitcoin ecosystem. The ZK-Rollup network is central to Merlin Chain's architecture, offering high transaction throughput and low fees. This technology consolidates multiple transactions into a single batch processed off-chain, significantly alleviating the load on the Bitcoin mainnet. The decentralized oracle network provides reliable and tamper-proof data feeds, essential for smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps) functioning within the ecosystem. MERL, the native token of Merlin Chain, is crucial to the network's operation. It is used for staking, allowing holders to contribute to the network's security, and for collator delegation, enabling users to delegate their tokens to collators or manage their own to secure the network. Additionally, MERL is employed for paying transaction fees and acts as native liquidity and collateral within the Merlin ecosystem. Bitmap Technology, the driving entity behind Merlin Chain, has significant experience in the Bitcoin ecosystem with prior projects like Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420. Founded by Jeff, an entrepreneur with extensive Web2 industry experience and support from prominent investors, Bitmap Technology has played a pivotal role in advancing Bitcoin's capabilities. Jeff was inspired to transition to the Web3 space by the potential he observed in Ordinals and the broader BTC ecosystem in 2023. Merlin Chain's total supply at inception is set at 2,100,000,000 MERL, distributed among the public, Merlin Eco, early supporters, and initial core contributors. This strategic distribution aims to cultivate a robust and engaged community, promoting further innovation and adoption of the network.

Merlin Chain is a Layer 2 protocol developed on Bitcoin, utilizing advanced technologies to improve Bitcoin's scalability and efficiency. At its foundation, Merlin Chain integrates ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, Data Availability, and on-chain BTC fraud-proof modules, ensuring robust security and optimal performance. A key element of Merlin Chain is the ZK-Rollup network. ZK-Rollups, or Zero-Knowledge Rollups, aggregate multiple transactions into a single batch processed off-chain. This approach greatly reduces the strain on the primary Bitcoin blockchain, facilitating faster and more cost-effective transactions. The "zero-knowledge" feature maintains the confidentiality of transaction details, bolstering security and privacy. Decentralized oracle networks are essential to Merlin Chain, delivering reliable and tamper-proof data from external sources to the blockchain. Oracles are vital for executing smart contracts reliant on real-world data, such as price feeds or weather information. By decentralizing these oracles, Merlin Chain minimizes the risk of single points of failure and ensures the integrity of the data being utilized. Data Availability is a crucial component of Merlin Chain's technology. Maintaining accessible and verifiable data is vital for preserving the blockchain's integrity. This is achieved with advanced data availability schemes that enable users to verify the presence of all necessary data without downloading the full dataset, enhancing both security and network efficiency. On-chain BTC fraud-proof modules are crafted to detect and prevent fraudulent activities within the network. These modules continuously monitor blockchain transactions and activities, detecting any anomalies or suspicious behavior. By incorporating these fraud-proof measures directly into the blockchain, Merlin Chain offers an additional security layer that is both proactive and reactive. Merlin Chain introduces its native token, MERL, serving multiple functions within the ecosystem. Staking MERL enhances network security, as holders can delegate their tokens to collators or operate their own collators. This delegation process secures the network by ensuring trustworthy participants participate in transaction validation. Moreover, MERL is used to pay transaction fees, provide native liquidity, and serve as collateral within the Merlin ecosystem. The total supply of MERL is capped at 2,100,000,000 tokens, allocated among the public, the Merlin ecosystem, early supporters, and initial core contributors. This distribution model aims to promote balanced and sustainable network growth. Merlin Chain was founded by Jeff, an entrepreneur with ten years of experience in the Web2 industry, as a product line of Bitmap Tech. Jeff's vision for Merlin Chain was inspired by the potential he recognized in the Bitcoin ecosystem, especially with the emergence of Ordinals. Bitmap Tech, recognized for products like Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420, possesses a strong foundation in the Bitcoin ecosystem, further strengthening Merlin Chain's credibility and potential for innovation. Merlin Chain's incorporation of advanced technologies and its strategic approach to enhancing Bitcoin's capabilities position it as a significant player in the cryptocurrency industry.

Merlin Chain (MERL) is a Layer 2 solution crafted to enhance the scalability, efficiency, and functionality of the Bitcoin network. Through the integration of advanced technologies such as ZK-Rollup networks and decentralized oracle networks, Merlin Chain seeks to strengthen Bitcoin's native assets, protocols, and application ecosystem. A primary application of Merlin Chain is its ZK-Rollup network, which markedly enhances transaction throughput while minimizing fees. This technology enables the bundling of multiple transactions for off-chain processing, with a single proof being submitted on-chain, thereby ensuring both security and efficiency. Additionally, Merlin Chain incorporates a decentralized oracle network that delivers reliable and tamper-proof data to smart contracts. This functionality is particularly vital for applications needing real-world data, such as decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, where precise price feeds and other data points are crucial for optimal operation. Further enhancing the network's security and integrity are the two-step zero-knowledge proof submission mechanism and fraud proofs based on Bitcoin. These features ensure transaction verification without disclosing sensitive information, thereby preserving privacy while preventing fraudulent activities. Merlin Chain's compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and popular Bitcoin protocols positions it as a versatile asset within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. This compatibility enables developers to deploy Ethereum-based applications on the Bitcoin network, effectively capitalizing on the strengths of both blockchains. MERL, Merlin Chain's native token, is pivotal to the ecosystem's operation. It is employed for staking, contributing to network security, and for collator delegation, which allows holders to support network validators. Furthermore, MERL can be utilized to pay transaction fees and serves as native liquidity and collateral within the Merlin ecosystem. Merlin Chain’s commitment to fair launches and community-driven innovations ensures alignment with the needs and interests of its users. By persistently evolving and integrating new technologies, Merlin Chain strives to deliver unique solutions for the Bitcoin network and its users.

Merlin Chain (MERL) has established itself as a prominent participant in the blockchain domain, particularly as a Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin. This cutting-edge platform incorporates ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, and fraud proofs within the Bitcoin chain, with the objective of enhancing the native assets, protocols, and application ecosystem of Bitcoin Layer 1. A pivotal milestone for Merlin Chain was the launch of their mainnet. This event signified the transition from development to a fully operational network, enabling users to engage with the platform in a live environment. The mainnet launch was a crucial step in demonstrating the viability and robustness of Merlin Chain's technology. Subsequently, the introduction of the M-Token Contract Address constituted another significant milestone. This contract address plays a vital role in the issuance and management of MERL tokens, ensuring secure and transparent transactions within the ecosystem. The release of the User Scenarios and Playbook provided comprehensive guidance on effectively utilizing the platform, catering to both developers and end-users. The implementation of Staking and Unstaking mechanisms enabled MERL holders to play an active role in securing the network. By staking their tokens, users contribute to the overall security and stability of Merlin Chain, while also earning rewards for their participation. This feature is essential for maintaining a decentralized and secure network. In a strategic initiative to enhance data availability, Merlin Chain collaborated with Celestia and Nubit. This partnership aimed to optimize data storage and retrieval, ensuring the network remains efficient and scalable. The proposal for a solution based on Taproot's aggregated zero-knowledge proof further emphasized Merlin Chain's commitment to privacy and security. This innovative approach enhances transaction confidentiality while maintaining blockchain integrity. The launch of the Merlin Chain ZK-Rollup Network marked a significant advancement in scalability and efficiency. ZK-Rollups allow for bundling multiple transactions into a single batch, reducing the load on the main Bitcoin chain and increasing transaction throughput. This technology is crucial for supporting a growing user base and expanding network capabilities. Participation in the TOKEN2049 event gave Merlin Chain a platform to showcase its technology to a wider audience. This event is a major gathering in the cryptocurrency industry, attracting key stakeholders, investors, and developers. Merlin Chain's presence at TOKEN2049 elevated awareness and fostered new partnerships. The announcement of a $210 million ecosystem grant program represented a substantial commitment to nurturing innovation within the Merlin Chain ecosystem. This program aims to support developers, projects, and initiatives that contribute to the platform’s growth and development. By offering financial resources, Merlin Chain encourages the creation of new applications and services that leverage its technology. Significant developments in Total Value Locked (TVL) have also been noteworthy. TVL is a crucial metric in the DeFi space, indicating the amount of assets secured within the network. Growth in TVL reflects increased trust and adoption of Merlin Chain's platform, underlining its potential as a robust and secure Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin. These key events collectively narrate Merlin Chain's journey and its impact on the blockchain and cryptocurrency landscape.

Merlin Chain (MERL) presents itself as a Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin, incorporating ZK-Rollup networks, decentralized oracle networks, and fraud proofs. The development of Merlin Chain is led by Jeff Yin and Bitmap Technology. Jeff Yin is an experienced entrepreneur with over ten years in the Web2 industry, and he has obtained funding from notable investors such as Sequoia Capital and IDG Capital. Bitmap Technology, formerly known as RCSV, has a background in contributing to the Bitcoin ecosystem with innovations like Bitmap Explorer and BRC-420. Jeff's transition to Web3 in 2023 was driven by the potential he identified in the BTC ecosystem and Ordinals.