rsk

RSK, originally known as Rootstock, is a smart contract platform that operates as a sidechain to the Bitcoin blockchain. It aims to bring programmable smart contracts and decentralized applications to the Bitcoin ecosystem by offering near-EVM compatibility and a fast, secure execution environment. Developers can write Solidity-based contracts and deploy them on RSK, with assets settled on the Bitcoin network through a two-way peg.

Technical design: RSK uses merge-mining with Bitcoin to secure its network and connect to the Bitcoin chain. A native token called RBTC is minted on RSK when BTC is locked on the main chain; conversely, RBTC can be burned to release BTC, enabling a two-way peg. Gas and transaction fees on RSK are paid in RBTC. The platform is designed to be compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, allowing developers to use familiar Solidity tooling and standards.

History and governance: The project began as Rootstock and was developed by IOV Labs, with the mainnet launching in 2018 and later rebranding to the RSK Network. Security and consensus rely on Bitcoin miners via merged mining and on a federation of network participants that maintain the bridge and peg. The structure aims to provide scalable, programmable contracts while leveraging Bitcoin’s network effects.

Impact and uses: RSK enables decentralized applications, tokenization, and DeFi concepts to operate with Bitcoin as the settlement layer, using familiar Ethereum-compatible tooling. It positions itself as one of several EVM-compatible sidechains and bridges intended to extend Bitcoin’s smart contract capabilities.

See also: Bitcoin sidechains; Ethereum-compatible sidechains.