ECC strategy is implemented across five main areas: R&D, engineering, regulatory relations, adoption and demand generation in support of Zcash.

Research and Development

Cryptography, markets and models
Since 2016, ECC has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research and development—with implications beyond the cryptocurrency world.

Zcash was the first project to successfully implement zero-knowledge proofs (zkps), and in 2022, in Network Upgrade 5, ECC implemented the Halo proving system to remove reliance on complex setup ceremonies. The efficiencies built into this upgrade made possible — for the first time ever — private, trustless digital cash payments on mobile phones. Halo also paved the way for increased interoperability by providing a system that could unlock private cross-chain proofs at scale.

Engineering

Core protocol, reference libraries and tools
ECC has established a reputation for shipping quality, production-ready code at regular intervals and has averaged more than one protocol network upgrade each year. In addition to Zcashd, we maintain open-source code for prototype wallet applications built on our SDKs. These are reference implementations for fully-functional, shielded-only, Android- and iOS-native applications.

Regulation

Education and insight for policy makers, regulators and influencers
ECC believes that well-informed and -educated policy makers produce better guidance and regulation. To that end, we engage with regulators and policy-making bodies through consistent outreach and collaboration, feedback on proposed legislation and regulation, and educational activities designed to improve understanding of blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies in general, and Zcash specifically. We also support and contribute to the efforts of organizations like Coin Center, the Blockchain Alliance, the Blockchain Association and Global Digital Finance.

Adoption

Partner engagement and support
Zcash has become one of the most widely adopted digital currencies, supported by high-quality financial institutions and crypto companies around the world. Zcash is available on top global exchanges and is supported by seven of the Bitwise Real 10, which measures cryptocurrency exchanges by real (vs. faked) transaction volume. Constituent exchanges include: Binance, Bitfinex, Bittrex, Coinbase, Gemini, Kraken and Poloniex.

Demand

Building and nurturing community
ECC continues its commitment to openness and transparency, education and community development, because we believe these are essential to drive demand. Our work with programs like Crypto in Context, the Zcash Developer Alliance and many other programs demonstrate our zeal for learning, outreach and collaboration.