Union makes Rootstock the first platform to bridge Bitcoin in a trust-minimized way, relying on a 1-of-n honest assumption. This unlocks a new era of DeFi on Bitcoin while preserving its native security guarantees.

Union leverages a light client validation framework to enable seamless communication between Bitcoin and Rootstock blockchains. Its modular design is future-proof, paving the way for scalable, multi-network bridges.

Union uses BitVMX to enable secure, optimistic computation on Bitcoin. BTC can only be unlocked with valid proofs, verified by independent protocol participants called functionaries. As long as one functionary is honest, user funds remain protected.

The BitVMX protocol secures locked funds using zero-knowledge proofs, which are optimistically validated on-chain. This approach preserves the integrity of cross-chain transactions without compromising decentralization.

Anyone can become a functionary in the Union protocol by providing security bonds. Robust crypto-economic incentives ensure honest behavior and maintain the protocol’s liveness and decentralization.