Enhanced Architecture and Security

Polygon 2.0 represents a major shift in blockchain architecture, primarily transitioning from Polygon PoS to the advanced zkEVM Validium solution, integrating zero-knowledge technology to enhance network security and performance. The upgrade positions Polygon PoS as the first L2 with decentralized sequencers and data availability guarantees. The coexistence of zkEVM rollup and zkEVM Validium within the Polygon ecosystem supports applications with different security and scalability needs.

POL, the New Hyper-Productive Token

MATIC has been used to stake only into the Polygon PoS chain, contribute to its security and earn staking rewards. For Polygon 2.0, there was the need to have a hyper-productive token: POL. The token will power the ecosystem of Polygon-based products and chains, and also allow validators to perform multiple roles in a single chain: • Validation, accepting transactions and generating blocks • Zero-knowledge proof generation • Participate in DACs (Data Availability Committees). It is expected that the staking of POL will be released in the 2024 Q2. Once this happens, you need to unbound your MATIC tokens, swap MATIC to POL, and stake again to start earning staking rewards in POL.

New Governance Framework

On Polygon 2.0, the Governance will follow 3 distinct principals:

• Protocol Governance

  Focused on the decentralised maintenance and development of the Polygon tech stack.

• System Smart Contracts Governance

  Upgrades of protocol components that are implemented as smart contracts.

• Community Treasury Governance

  Deals with ecosystem and public goods funding, supporting development and growth of the Polygon ecosystem.