# Panel I Cross-Chain & Interoperability | Pragma Istanbul 2023

- Channel: [ETHGlobal](https://streameth.org/ethglobal)
- Date: 2024-10-09
- Duration: 40:54
- Topics: cross-chain, interoperability, blockchain bridges, ZetaChain, Polyhedra, DFINITY, Internet Computer, chain-key cryptography, zkBridge, Bitcoin interoperability, ZKPs, EVM compatibility, smart contract messaging, multi-chain apps, native assets, trustless communication, cross-chain messaging, blockchain scaling, threshold signatures, chain abstraction, ICP, ETHGlobal, Pragma Istanbul, decentralized consensus, modular architecture
- Watch: https://streameth.org/watch/yt-ka8HLLdR0Rc
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka8HLLdR0Rc

## Description

At Pragma Istanbul 2023, ETHGlobal’s Kartik Talwar moderates an in-depth panel on cross-chain interoperability featuring Dominic Williams (DFINITY / Internet Computer), Tiancheng Xie (Polyhedra Network), and Brandon Truong (ZetaChain). Together, they unpack the growing need for seamless communication between blockchains in a multi-chain world. 

From zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to chain-key cryptography and threshold signature schemes, the panel explores trust-minimized bridging, secure messaging, and native asset transfers without wrapping. Hear insights on why bridges fail, how to reduce attack surfaces, and the tools needed to standardize cross-chain development. The panelists also discuss Bitcoin interoperability, EVM compatibility, decentralized consensus, smart contract composability, and the future of developer tooling for scalable blockchain connectivity.

00:00 Intro: The rise of cross-chain interoperability
00:41 Updates from DFINITY, Polyhedra, and ZetaChain
02:33 ZetaChain: Building an interoperable L1
03:19 Polyhedra: Zero-knowledge proofs for secure bridging
05:24 Internet Computer: Chain-key cryptography explained
07:23 Native Ethereum signing via chain-key ICP
09:05 Cross-chain transactions with native Bitcoin
10:22 Enabling UX without asset wrapping
11:27 Why bridges get hacked and how to fix it
13:42 Polyhedra’s data transport vs asset bridging
14:57 Reducing reliance on intermediary bridges
16:34 Internet Computer smart contracts sign cross-chain
18:12 Moving beyond wrapped assets and bridges
19:18 Separation of compute and assets across chains
21:27 Orchestrating logic with synchronous messaging
22:45 Internet Computer architecture deep dive
24:06 EVM compatibility: modular or essential?
27:49 ZetaChain’s EVM decision and flexibility
29:44 Polyhedra’s focus on consensus, not runtime
30:30 Should we standardize cross-chain protocols?
32:26 Foundational standards: ECDSA and HTTP
34:09 Layered standardization vs rigid protocols
35:38 What developer tools are still missing?
37:26 Dominic: remove bridges entirely
38:17 Polyhedra: compilers and high-performance circuits
39:49 ZetaChain: simplify chain-agnostic development
40:22 Closing thoughts and gratitude

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🇹🇷 *Pragma Istanbul*
The sixth edition of Pragma took place in Istanbul in November 2023 with a curated series of high-quality talks that sparked thought and discussion. Pragma Istanbul 2023 was an opportunity discuss the future of web3 and reflect on the past. Watch the full Pragma Istanbul 2023 playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXzKMXK2aHh4rHV1H4J7y0wDok4bIS17t&si=lb8ttkU1HS2tpnUP

ETHGlobal's Pragma series takes place in cities around the world, and is designed to be a different kind of event. Pragma is a one-stage conference with founders-only on stage, bringing together a small group of curated attendees and speakers to discuss the future of web3 and reflect on the past. 

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