[NRG Request] Semaphore | US$20k

[aguzmant103]

Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) unlock the ability for users to prove data with privacy, paving the foundation for privacy applications.

Semaphore leverages ZKPs as a development framework that has powered privacy-respecting applications on Ethereum, modularizing and abstracting away proofs of group management and nullifiers for application developers.

Privacy + Scaling Explorations (PSE) is a strong believer in the vision of innovations through abstractions, and is collaborating with Aztec Labs to provide US$20,000 in grants for implementing Semaphore in Noir as a step further towards the vision.

This request looks for proposals to build, document and launch Semaphore in Noir based on the initial explorations (more details in the Resources section).

Proposals should take into account that relevant primitives might be missing or under-optimized in Noir (e.g. libraries, tools). Implementing, optimizing and open-sourcing these should be considered in-scope and highlighted in the proposals.

Submission

To ensure consistency and facilitate the review process, please follow the following submission format:

• Title: Proposing team name
• Summary: A high-level summary of your proposal (≤100 words)
• Team: List team member(s) that will work on the initiative, relevant experience and contacts
• Timeline and Deliverables: Describe project milestones and what is expected to be achieved when
• Start Date: Specify preferred start date (e.g. 13 March 2025)
• Questions: List outstanding questions, if any

Submit a proposal by creating a new post in this category using the format by 10 March 2025.

Requirements

Implementations of proposals should observe the following requirements. If your proposal could not meet all requirements, please highlight the missing requirements accordingly.

• Final implementation MUST cover implementation of Semaphore in Noir, including updates to its SDK and Solidity contracts
• Final implementation MUST be well documented
• Final implementation MUST be thoroughly tested
• Final implementation MUST be open sourced under a permissive license (e.g. MIT)
• Project proposals SHOULD scope in benchmarking

Evaluation

Proposals will be evaluated on five categories based on the following criteria:

• Adherence to requirements
• Quality
• Feasibility
• Vision to build with Noir long term

Selected proposals will be announced on GitHub Discussions by 12 March 2025.

Technical Overview of Semaphore

Main packages of Semaphore

• Identity
• Group
• Circuit
• Proof
• Smart Contracts

The Identity and Group packages should be compatible with the Circuit, Proof and Smart Contracts libraries.

Semaphore packages: https://github.com/semaphore-protocol/semaphore/tree/main/packages

Considerations for implementing Semaphore in Noir

• Existing components that can be reused
  • Identity package
  • Group package
• Needs updating
  • Proof package
    • To use the new proving system to generate and verify the proof
  • Smart contracts
    • To use the new Solidity verifier
• Needs rewriting
  • Circuit using Noir

Resources

• Semaphore: A Technical Overview: https://hackmd.io/@vplasencia/B1sCrsoFkg
• Semaphore Docs: https://docs.semaphore.pse.dev/
• Semaphore in Noir explorative implementation (outdated): https://github.com/signorecello/semaphore/tree/noir
• Noir Docs: https://noir-lang.org/docs/
• Noir Libraries:
  • https://github.com/noir-lang/awesome-noir/?tab=readme-ov-file#libraries
  • https://github.com/noir-lang/ec
  • https://github.com/noir-lang/noir-edwards
  • https://github.com/privacy-scaling-explorations/zk-kit.noir
• PSE Discord: https://discord.gg/pse
• Noir Discord: https://discord.gg/JtqzkdeQ6G

FAQ

Q1. How will proposals be chosen?

The selection committee will consist of representatives from PSE and Aztec Labs, who will evaluate and select proposals following the criteria and deadlines above.

Q2. Who can submit proposals?

Researchers, developers, and technology enthusiasts with an interest in Noir research are welcome to propose.

Q3. Can I submit more than one proposal?

No, you can submit or be a part of one proposal only for this request.

Q4. Can I update my proposal after submission?

Yes, edits are welcome up to the submission deadline.

Q5. Why should I submit a proposal early?

Early submissions have higher review priority for request sponsors and the community to share initial feedback.

Proposal updates incorporating feedback are welcome and encouraged up to the submission deadline.

Q6. What if my proposal does not fully meet the requirements?

You are encouraged and welcome to submit your proposal and participate in the discussion. Your ideas could contribute valuable insights and help shape further research.

Q7. How will grants be distributed?

One proposal will be selected to be supported with US$20,000:

Distribution timeline:

• $10,000 on publishing 1st month’s progress report
• $10,000 on publishing 2nd month’s final report

Q8. Can I support the campaign if I am not planning to participate?

Yes, there are different ways to support the research campaign, including but not limited to:

• Sharing the campaign with your social circles
• Reviewing and providing feedback on proposal submissions
• Sponsor additional prizes

Q9. What should I do if I have a question not covered above?

Please comment your questions below, to which the sponsors will reply as soon as possible.

This helps inform others that might have the same question.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Aztec Labs for co-sponsoring grants and technical support for the selected proposal.

Thank you to Savio Sou for advising this request.

DISCLAIMER

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued solely for informational purposes and to solicit proposals for the development of Semaphore on Noir. It does not constitute a binding offer, contract, or commitment by Privacy & Scaling Explorations or any associated parties. No party shall have any obligation or liability to enter into a contractual relationship based on this RFP.

[aguzmant103]

Update: added https://github.com/privacy-scaling-explorations/zk-kit.noir

[x-senpai-x]

In Q7 its not very clear , so could you please confirm if only one proposal would be selected or more than that?

[Savio-Sou]

One proposal would be selected.