What Is Manta Network?

1. What Is Manta Network?

Manta Network is a modular blockchain ecosystem built to bring privacy, scalability, and compliance to Web3 using zero-knowledge (ZK) cryptography. It offers two complementary chains: Manta Pacific, an EVM-compatible Layer 2 on Ethereum optimized for low-cost ZK applications, and Manta Atlantic, a Layer 1 chain in the Polkadot ecosystem focused on privacy-preserving identity and credentials. Manta simplifies building ZK-enabled decentralized applications (dApps) and allows users to protect their data while maintaining on-chain verifiability and interoperability across ecosystems.

2. Why Manta Network Was Created

Public blockchains sacrifice user privacy by making all transactions, wallet addresses, and identities transparent. This creates limitations for both everyday users and institutions that require data protection or compliance.

Manta Network was created to overcome these issues by offering:

• Privacy-preserving tools for users and developers
• Compliance-friendly ZK credentials for institutions
• Developer-friendly ZK infrastructure that abstracts complex cryptography
• Cross-chain interoperability between Ethereum, Polkadot, and more
• A scalable foundation for ZK-enabled apps across DeFi, identity, and gaming

3. How Manta Network Works

1. Dual-Chain Design – Manta Pacific (L2 on Ethereum) supports scalable, low-gas ZK dApps and is EVM-compatible. Manta Atlantic (L1 on Polkadot) provides privacy infrastructure, zkSBT issuance, and staking.
2. Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) – Users interact with apps that use ZKPs to verify data (like identity or credentials) without revealing the actual data.
3. zkSBTs – Non-transferable, private credentials that prove KYC, reputation, or access rights without exposing user data.
4. Cross-Chain Interactions – Bridges and Polkadot’s XCM enable private identity or credential use across Ethereum and other chains.
5. Developer Toolkits – SDKs and NPM packages allow Web3 developers to easily integrate ZK components into their own applications.
6. User Layer Integration – End users interact via wallets and dApps, gaining privacy-preserving benefits in areas like DeFi, identity, and social platforms.

4. Key Features of Manta Network

• Zero-Knowledge Privacy – Native support for ZK credentials, proofs, and asset privacy
• Dual Architecture – Two chains (Pacific and Atlantic) offer scalability and privacy depending on use case
• zkSBTs – Verifiable, non-transferable tokens for identity, reputation, and compliance
• Developer SDKs – Plug-and-play libraries for adding ZK functionality to any dApp
• EVM Compatibility – Build with familiar Ethereum tools on Manta Pacific
• Cross-Chain Operability – Interact privately across ecosystems with XCM and bridge integrations
• Modular Design – Choose the ZK modules you need to build privacy-native apps

5. Who Can Use Manta Network?

• Developers – Create privacy-first apps with Manta’s ZK tools, SDKs, and testnet environments
• Retail Users – Use DeFi platforms, wallets, and dApps without exposing sensitive data
• Institutions – Issue or verify compliant, privacy-preserving credentials and interact with Web3 safely
• DAOs & Social dApps – Protect governance and community actions with private identity tools
• DeFi Protocols – Add privacy layers to lending, trading, and yield strategies without losing composability

6. What Is the $MANTA Token?

$MANTA is the native asset of the Manta Network, used across both Pacific and Atlantic chains for:

• Transaction Fees – Gas payments on both L1 and L2 chains
• Governance – Vote on network upgrades, treasury allocation, and ecosystem decisions
• Staking & Security – On Manta Atlantic, token holders stake to secure the network as validators or nominators
• Ecosystem Incentives – Reward users, developers, and liquidity providers for contributing to the network
• Utility in ZK dApps – Required for accessing advanced features in privacy-based applications