Vitalik: The new EVM chain should be innovative and genuinely rely on Ethereum, avoiding blind copying.

ChainCatcher News: Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin stated that many newly created EVM chains are simply copying existing architectures or connecting to Ethereum via a one-week delayed optimistic bridge. This approach is similar to duplicating governance structures like Compound. While “comfortable,” it exhausts innovation in the long run and leads the ecosystem into a dead end.

If a new chain is not connected to Ethereum through an optimistic bridge (i.e., purely an alternative L1), the situation is even worse. The ecosystem truly needs projects that bring new features, such as privacy protection, application-specific efficiency, or ultra-low latency. The “Ethereum connection” must match the actual functionality.

For example, prediction market applications can issue and settle markets on L1, manage user accounts, but transaction execution occurs within a Rollup or L2 system, with L1 verifying signatures and market states. Architectures with deep L1 integration should be prioritized over superficial bridging just for recognition.

Another type of “application chain” can verify algorithm execution on platforms like government, social media, or gaming sites, using technologies like STARKs to ensure updates are authorized and executed according to pre-committed rules. Although not fully Ethereum-compatible, these chains can provide algorithm transparency and minimize trust, enabling economic activities previously thought impossible.

New projects should achieve two goals: first, truly bring innovation, not just copy existing EVM chains; second, ensure their PR image matches actual functionality. The project’s claimed level of connection to Ethereum should accurately reflect its technical and ecological dependencies, ensuring ecosystem interoperability and long-term value.