Recently, I've been paying attention to a cross-chain interoperability project @union_build, a Layer-1 project centered around ZK interoperability, aiming to disrupt the current cross-chain market dominated by @LayerZero_Core. The question arises, what distinguishes it from other cross-chain interoperability projects, and what are its highlights? Will it bring new opportunities to the ZK infra track? Here are some of my observations: 1) Undeniably, the market demand for cross-chain interoperability is rapidly growing, but existing solutions each have their shortcomings. LayerZero mainly covers the EVM ecosystem, leading the cross-chain popularization wave with its light node verification path, Wormhole relies on a multi-signature security committee to ensure cross-chain security, and Axelar uses a validator network to handle cross-chain messages. In contrast, Union does not rely on oracles, multi-signature, or MPC, but directly chooses to use ZK technology to verify inter-chain consensus, providing efficient and scalable interoperability capabilities without sacrificing security. This clearer hierarchical structure of interoperability protocol paths built on ZK technology allows Union to deeply connect different ecosystems, not just limited to EVM-compatible chains, supporting multiple development environments including Solidity, Move, Cosmos, Solang, and BitVM, which is evidently much broader than LayerZero's focus on the EVM ecosystem. 2) Many people mention ZK technology, first thinking of Layer2 scaling and privacy protection (state proofs submitted from Layer2 to Layer1), which clearly does not leverage the full potential of ZK technology. However, Union's innovation lies in applying ZK technology to the cross-chain interoperability field, expanding the application boundaries of ZK technology. With the support of ZK technology, it can directly verify consensus states between different chains without relying on trusted third parties, making it safer and more efficient than traditional cross-chain bridges. Through ZK proofs, Union can achieve cross-chain interaction at sub-second levels, bringing an almost instant transaction confirmation experience, which is a revolutionary user experience upgrade in cross-chain scenarios. It is worth mentioning that testnet data shows Union has processed over 58 million cross-chain transactions, with 250,000 Dashboard users, and recently launched App v2 and opened a new testnet. 3) Union has also made a significant move in the BTCFi field. According to public information, Union has received nine-figure TVL commitments from top LST protocols like Bedrock, Lombard, Solv, which will bridge from Ethereum to Babylon through Union, making it an important asset bridge in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Union has also launched the BTCFi Flywheel plan, collaborating with Escher (LST), Tower (DEX), SatLayer (Restaking) to create a yield ecosystem, aiming to make BTC truly "yield-bearing." This strategic positioning not only responds to current market hotspots but also establishes a unique competitive advantage for Union in the Bitcoin ecosystem. In fact, Bitcoin, a chain naturally lacking programmability, can directly demonstrate the cross-chain application capabilities of ZK technology by connecting with other chains through ZK. Previously, several projects have attempted to use the zkVM paradigm as an extension solution for the Bitcoin ecosystem. 4) It should be supplemented that its financing has also received recognition from many top institutions, having completed $16 million in financing, with investors including gumi Cryptos Capital, LongHash Ventures, Foresight Ventures, Borderless Capital, etc. From the perspective of ecosystem expansion, Union is moving quite fast. Data shows that it has established 40+ strategic partnerships, attracting 50+ cooperative projects, with partners including Berachain, Polygon, Celestia, Babylon, Scroll, Sui, Avalanche, and other leading projects. This is quite a good achievement in the current market environment. In conclusion. If LayerZero is the representative of the cross-chain interoperability 1.0 era, then Union is expected to become the pioneer of cross-chain interoperability 2.0 based on ZK technology. It is trying to build an "on-chain highway," connecting various homogeneous/heterogeneous main chains, L2, Rollups, and Appchains, committed to becoming the infrastructure channel for inter-chain interoperability. However, it should also be noted that truly shaking projects like LayerZero, which already have a certain market share and ecosystem depth, is not easy. Although Union's technical path is advanced, the complexity and maturity of ZK technology itself are also a test. Whether it can ultimately succeed depends on its actual performance after the mainnet launch and the speed of continuous ecosystem development.