zkSync, an Ethereum Layer-2 solution, has announced the completion of its decentralization journey with the upcoming release of its final protocol upgrade, v24. This upgrade paves the way for community governance and hints at an impending token launch.

Since March, zkSync has been focused on achieving full decentralization, notably supporting EIP-4844. The upcoming v24 upgrade is the last necessary step for transitioning network governance to the community. By the end of June, zkSync plans to have all other decentralization components in place.

Decentralization is a complex and irreversible process requiring meticulous attention to both technological and legal details. zkSync is committed to prioritizing long-term foundational technology over short-term gains, aiming to become a leading force in creating a verifiable internet that can serve billions.

The announcement of the v24 upgrade has sparked speculation about a forthcoming token launch. zkSync has hinted at a potential governance token airdrop by the end of June. This anticipated airdrop has excited the community, particularly since investors have already moved over $8 million worth of tokens to zkSync in anticipation. According to DefiLlama, zkSync's total value locked (TVL) is now $141 million.

zkSync's technology uses zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup to scale Ethereum, offering cheaper transactions through off-chain computation and data storage. Zero-knowledge cryptography is one of the most promising developments in blockchain technology. The introduction of a governance token follows a trend seen with projects like EigenLayer, Renzo, Ethena, and Wormhole, which have rewarded early adopters with airdrops instead of traditional token sales, fostering community loyalty and involvement.

Matter Labs, the company behind zkSync, has raised $458 million from investors such as Blockchain Capital and Dragonfly Capital. This funding will help realize zkSync's goal of providing scalable and efficient blockchain solutions.

In April, Circle, the major issuer of the USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, extended support for USDC to Ethereum's zkSync. This integration allows USDC to be used on a scalable platform, increasing its utility across various applications and DeFi protocols. USDC on zkSync remains redeemable on a one-to-one basis for U.S. dollars through Circle and can be exchanged across different blockchains via cross-chain bridges.

The zkSync ecosystem has grown rapidly, now boasting over 180 decentralized applications and 5.7 million unique active wallet addresses in the past 30 days.

In conclusion, zkSync's final protocol upgrade marks a significant milestone in its journey towards complete decentralization and community governance. The anticipated token launch and continued ecosystem growth signal a promising future for zkSync as a major player in the blockchain industry.