BitcoinOS has accomplished a bridgeless switch of Bitcoin to the Cardano blockchain and again. This course of didn’t require any custodians, vaults, or third-party bridges, and used zero-knowledge cryptography.
BitcoinOS Bridgeless BTC Switch to Cardano Mainnet
In line with an X thread, BitcoinOS has carried out what it describes as the primary bridgeless cross-chain transaction between Bitcoin and Cardano. On Might 4th, 2025, BitcoinOS deployed its BitSNARK protocol and the brand new xBTC token normal as a part of this demonstration.
To facilitate this, a consumer locked 1 BTC on Bitcoin Layer 1 and minted xBTC. This wrapped asset makes use of cryptographic proofs to indicate that one other get together holds the unique Bitcoin off Layer 1.
xBTC differs from earlier wrapped Bitcoin fashions as a result of it doesn’t require a custodian or vault. Its operation, enabled by zero-knowledge cryptographic proofs, permits asset possession maintained on-chain. The switch was carried out by Bitcoin and Cardano wallets, with out the involvement of intermediaries.
The demo featured Sundial Protocol, a hybrid Layer 2 answer for Bitcoin and Cardano. From a Bitcoin pockets, Sundial’s pockets on Cardano obtained 1 xBTC token. This was when the asset moved from one blockchain to a different, turning into a UTXO on Cardano.
Programmable Bitcoin With xBTC
xBTC introduces a programmable format for Bitcoin whereas remaining non-custodial. This token was developed by BitcoinOS to function equally to wETH on Ethereum, however within the Bitcoin framework. It’s a programmable and cryptographic transferable token throughout blockchains that doesn’t depend on a government.
After receiving the token on Cardano, Sundial transferred it to a pockets owned by ADA Deal with, a Cardano-based on-chain id mission. This proved that xBTC might transfer inside the Cardano ecosystem like another native token. Lastly, the token was returned to the Bitcoin blockchain, burned, and the unique BTC unlocked, finishing a round-trip with out using conventional bridge mechanisms.
The method relied on zero-knowledge proofs generated and verified by BitSNARK, which was open-sourced by BitcoinOS in March 2025. This allowed validation of the transaction with out revealing underlying personal information, sustaining safety whereas proving authenticity.
Addressing Bridge Safety Issues
Conventional cross-chain bridges have suffered from many safety failures, with over $2 billion misplaced in associated exploits since 2022. BitcoinOS goals to take away these dangers by avoiding bridges completely and utilizing cryptographic proof programs as a substitute.
The bridgeless mannequin makes an attempt to scale back single factors of failure whereas enabling interoperability between major blockchains.
BitcoinOS claims the system doesn’t compromise Bitcoin’s safety or trustless mannequin. Edan Yago, a core contributor at BitcoinOS, mentioned customers haven’t explored Bitcoin’s broader use instances resulting from technical limitations, not as a result of they like simplicity. The staff believes xBTC and comparable applied sciences could make Bitcoin extra usable within the wider decentralized finance ecosystem.
Cardano Imaginative and prescient for Broader Blockchain Use
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson just lately mentioned the blockchain trade getting into a brand new improvement section. He mentioned this section should concentrate on scaling options for real-world issues.
His feedback got here amid Cardano’s improvement of Midnight, an information protection-focused sidechain constructed to assist regulatory-friendly digital property, together with shares.
The demonstration by BitcoinOS matches into this wider push for scalable, privacy-respecting, and safe blockchain functions. By exhibiting Bitcoin can work together instantly with Cardano in a safe, decentralized method, the mission aligns with this subsequent section of blockchain evolution.
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