Sygma

Sygma is an interoperability layer that enables fast, secure, and reliable cross-chain communication. Three years ago, there were few trustworthy cross-chain bridging protocols. Since then, the open-source ChainBridge cross-chain repo emerged as one of the first comprehensive multi-directional bridges for EVM and Substrate-based chains. ChainBridge has been adopted and relied upon by a number of leading blockchains, transferring over $600 million in bridged assets since inception. Building on our experience with ChainBridge, we’ve poured all our learnings into Sygma. Like the Greek letter sigma (Σ), Sygma alludes to summation. We chose this name because Sygma will allow developers to interweave blockchain protocols in a way that gives users something greater than the sum of the parts. Sygma takes the notion of bridging one step further. Sygma is more modular than ChainBridge, allowing easy configuration and greater compatibility with other networks. Instead of simple point-to-point money transfers, we’ve created an extensible, any-to-any communication protocol. Sygma allows new and current dApps to expand, creating the first truly cross-chain applications. From the start, Sygma supports ERC20 and ERC721 contract interfaces, allowing dApp builders who rely on these standards to fast-track their development cycle. Beyond those predefined interfaces, Sygma allows you to easily implement any type of application-specific messaging — the possibilities are infinite. And critically, Sygma supports general message passing, enabling people building on one chain to call any function on any other connected chain. This dramatically increases the number of options at a developer's disposal. Sygma will employ a multi-party computation (MPC) model that includes a number of trusted relayer nodes. In practice, this means off-chain signature aggregation and voting based on the Threshold Signature Cryptographic Algorithm. Under this model, relayer nodes will be run by reputable companies and projects from across the web3 space. The distribution of power allows us to spread responsibility and mitigate the chance that any relayer misbehaves. Sygma will empower builders to create streamlined experiences where users are not confined to one ecosystem. By enabling elaborate cross-chain functionality and putting most of the steps under the hood, Sygma will enable smooth, web2-like user experiences. Sygma makes it easy for developers to add interoperability to their dApp or protocol with minimal overhead. Rather than taking the time and energy to host your own bridge, Sygma will develop and maintain the infrastructure while providing application-specific SDKs, support, documentation, and a dedicated pilot program.