In a major leap forward for Web3 infrastructure, OKX has unveiled X Layer, a high-performance, secure Ethereum-based Zero Knowledge (ZK) Layer-2 (L2) network. Developed in collaboration with Polygon Labs using the Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK), X Layer marks a strategic expansion of OKX’s ecosystem, positioning it at the forefront of Ethereum scalability and decentralized application innovation.
With over 50 million users in its global community, OKX is connecting its vast user base to the expansive developer networks of both Polygon and Ethereum. This integration is expected to accelerate the development and adoption of next-generation decentralized applications (dApps), particularly in DeFi, enterprise blockchain solutions, and consumer-focused Web3 experiences.
👉 Discover how X Layer is reshaping Ethereum scalability and empowering developers worldwide.
A Developer-First Approach to Web3 Innovation
X Layer is engineered from the ground up with developers in mind. It provides a seamless, EVM-compatible environment where builders can deploy smart contracts, create dApps, and innovate without the high gas fees and congestion typically associated with Ethereum’s mainnet.
By leveraging ZK-rollup technology, X Layer ensures strong security guarantees while achieving significant improvements in transaction throughput and cost efficiency. These zero-knowledge proofs enable off-chain computation with on-chain verification, allowing the network to process thousands of transactions per second at a fraction of the cost.
The network maintains full compatibility with Ethereum, supporting existing wallets, tools, and decentralized applications. This interoperability lowers the barrier to entry for developers already familiar with Ethereum’s ecosystem, enabling them to migrate or expand their projects onto X Layer with minimal friction.
OKX’s Role as a Core Contributor to Polygon CDK
Beyond launching X Layer, OKX is stepping into a foundational role within the broader Ethereum scaling landscape by becoming a core contributor to Polygon CDK. This open-source framework allows organizations to launch customizable ZK-powered Layer-2 chains on Ethereum quickly and efficiently.
As part of this collaboration, OKX is committing substantial engineering resources and technical expertise to enhance the CDK’s capabilities. This includes contributions to protocol optimization, developer tooling, and security enhancements — all aimed at advancing Ethereum’s scalability roadmap.
This move underscores OKX’s long-term vision: not just to participate in Web3 innovation, but to actively shape its infrastructure.
X Layer: OKX’s New Native Network
X Layer will serve as OKX’s native blockchain network, replacing previous infrastructure dependencies and offering a unified platform for its ecosystem. The network’s native utility token will be OKB, OKX’s existing platform token, which will now also function as the gas token for transaction fees on X Layer.
This integration strengthens OKB’s utility and positions it at the heart of a growing on-chain economy. Users will be able to pay for transactions, participate in governance, and access exclusive features within the X Layer ecosystem using OKB.
For developers, this means access to a vibrant user base already engaged with crypto and Web3 services. For users, it means a smoother, faster, and more affordable experience when interacting with decentralized applications.
👉 See how OKB is evolving into a core utility token for a scalable Web3 future.
Powering Mass Adoption Through Accessibility
One of the biggest hurdles in Web3 adoption has been usability — high fees, slow confirmations, and complex interfaces often deter new users. X Layer directly addresses these pain points.
With low-latency finality and minimal transaction costs, the network makes it feasible for everyday users to engage with DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, gaming platforms, and social dApps without financial friction. Combined with OKX’s user-friendly wallet and exchange interface, X Layer lowers the onboarding curve for millions transitioning from Web2 to Web3.
Jason Lau, Chief Innovation Officer at OKX, emphasized the strategic importance of accessibility:
“X Layer will be a key pillar of our efforts to educate and bring our users onchain and into the world of Web3. This scalable and accessible network is perfect for developers, who can build on X Layer to deliver user-friendly world-class consumer Web3 applications, all while maintaining interoperability with other networks and ecosystems.”
Bridging Ecosystems: The Polygon Advantage
Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon, highlighted how X Layer exemplifies the power of modular blockchain design:
“The X Layer network offers developers an affordable and user-friendly platform to create decentralized apps, seamlessly bridging the vast OKX community with the Polygon and wider Ethereum ecosystems.”
By building on Polygon CDK, X Layer benefits from battle-tested ZK infrastructure and immediate connectivity to a growing network of interoperable ZK L2s. In the future, chains deployed via CDK — including X Layer — will be able to share liquidity and communicate securely through standardized messaging protocols.
This "internet of ZK L2s" vision enables unified liquidity pools across chains, reducing fragmentation and increasing capital efficiency across Web3.
The Bigger Picture: Scaling Ethereum for Global Use
Polygon CDK launched in late August 2025 as a response to rising demand for customizable, scalable Ethereum solutions. Since then, numerous projects across major ecosystems — including Astar (Polkadot), Canto (Cosmos), Gnosis Pay, Palm, and IDEX — have announced plans to launch their own ZK L2s using the toolkit.
X Layer joins this wave of innovation as one of the first major exchange-led networks built on CDK. Its combination of institutional backing, technical rigor, and mass-market reach sets it apart as a catalyst for broader Web3 adoption.
Over the coming weeks, OKX and Polygon Labs will reveal further details about developer grants, hackathons, and ecosystem incentives designed to fuel early growth on X Layer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is X Layer?
A: X Layer is a new Ethereum-based Zero Knowledge (ZK) Layer-2 network developed by OKX using Polygon CDK. It offers high scalability, low fees, and full EVM compatibility for developers and users.
Q: Is X Layer its own blockchain?
A: Yes, X Layer is an independent Layer-2 blockchain built on Ethereum using ZK-rollup technology. It operates as OKX’s native network.
Q: What token does X Layer use?
A: The native gas token for X Layer is OKB, which will be used to pay transaction fees and support ecosystem activities.
Q: How does X Layer improve upon Ethereum?
A: By processing transactions off-chain and submitting cryptographic proofs to Ethereum, X Layer reduces congestion and costs while maintaining Ethereum-level security.
Q: Can existing Ethereum dApps run on X Layer?
A: Yes — thanks to EVM compatibility, most Ethereum-based dApps can be deployed on X Layer with little or no modification.
Q: How is OKX contributing to Polygon CDK?
A: OKX is a core contributor to Polygon CDK, providing engineering resources and technical input to help advance Ethereum scaling solutions.
👉 Explore developer opportunities on X Layer and start building today.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter in Web3 Infrastructure
The launch of X Layer represents more than just a technical upgrade — it's a strategic alignment between one of the world’s largest crypto platforms and a leading force in Ethereum scaling. Together, OKX and Polygon Labs are building a bridge between centralized accessibility and decentralized innovation.
As Web3 continues to evolve, networks like X Layer will play a critical role in making blockchain technology practical, performant, and accessible to billions. With strong developer support, real-world utility, and deep ecosystem integration, X Layer is poised to become a cornerstone of the next generation of decentralized applications.
The future of scalable, secure, and user-friendly Web3 is here — and it runs on X Layer.