Crypto Altruists Episode 194 - ZkCloud - Decentralizing the Cloud: Blockchain and Zero Knowledge Proofs for a Fair Internet
In episode 194, we’re excited to welcome Norbert Vadas, Head of Product at ZkCloud, a leading platform building the first truly decentralized cloud for Zero-Knowledge proving. Before diving into blockchain, Norbert spent over a decade working with global organizations like UNICEF and FAO, navigating the intersection of finance, governance, and emerging tech. He later transitioned into Web3 as part of the Ethereum Protocol Fellowship, where he explored ZK proving’s potential to transform how we validate and secure data.
In this episode, we explore:
How Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proving is revolutionizing blockchain scalability and privacy.
Why decentralized cloud computing could be the key to a an inclusive, fair, and accessible internet powered by the people.
How Norbert’s journey—from working with UNICEF and FAO to becoming an Ethereum Fellow—has shaped his mission to leverage ZK proofs and Web3 tools for real-world impact and a more decentralized, equitable future.
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Key Takeaways
🔍 Privacy & Security: Why ZK Proofs Matter - Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proofs allow verification without revealing underlying data, making them a game-changer for privacy. Unlike optimistic rollups, ZK rollups provide built-in cryptographic guarantees, reducing trust assumptions and enhancing security in Web3 applications.
🌍 ZK for Impact: Humanitarian & Ethical Applications - From identity verification and proof of aid distribution to decentralized voting and supply chain transparency, ZK proofs can power more ethical and accountable systems. The question isn’t what you can use ZK for—it’s what can’t you use it for?
💰 Unlocking New Use Cases by Reducing Costs - ZK proving is currently expensive with traditional cloud providers, limiting adoption. Decentralized proving solutions like ZkCloud are making proving far more cost-effective, opening the door to new applications that were previously economically unfeasible.
🧠 ZK Proofs & Artificial Intelligence: A Critical Tool for Truth Verification - As generative AI becomes more powerful, the need for cryptographic truth verification grows. ZK proofs can play a vital role in distinguishing real from synthetic content, ensuring authenticity in an era of deepfakes and AI-generated information.
Follow Norbert & ZK Cloud
Episode Time Stamps
01:55 - Your background includes years working with organizations like UNICEF and FAO before transitioning into Web3. What inspired you to dive into blockchain, and was there a defining "Ah hah" moment?
05:00 - The Ethereum Protocol Fellowship played a big role in your entry into the ZK space. Can you tell us more about that experience and how it shaped your current work at ZkCloud?
09:35 - For those unfamiliar with the concept, what exactly is Zero-Knowledge (ZK) proving, and why is it such a game-changer for blockchain technology?
15:30 - Before we get into the specifics of Firestarter and the broader impact of ZK proving, can you give us a high-level overview of ZkCloud? What is it, and what problem is it solving in the world of decentralized computing?
18:15 – What would be some of the most prominent use cases for decentralized cloud computing powered by ZK?
21:20 - You’ve worked with organizations like UNICEF and FAO. Based on your experience, how do you see ZK technology being applied to complex social and environmental challenges?
25:40 - One of the biggest bottlenecks for blockchain scalability has been high costs and slow speeds. How does Firestarter and ZkCloud help solve this problem?
34:05 - You’ve been a part of multiple blockchain projects and research initiatives. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to builders looking to scale a project in Web3?
36:15 - Where do you see the future of ZK technology heading? What major breakthroughs or trends should we be paying attention to in the next 5 years?
39:40 - For listeners interested in learning more or getting involved with ZkCloud and Firestarter, where’s the best place to start?
41:00 - To wrap things up, if you could name one thing that excites you most about the social impact potential of web3, what would it be and why?
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DISCLAIMER
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More available HERE.
