• Intmax uses a stateless Ethereum Layer 2 design that requires only about 5 bytes of on-chain data per transaction.
  • It is the first practical implementation of the Plasma Concept and includes a “Privacy Mining” mechanism to reward privacy-enhancing behaviour.

Ryodan Systems AG has officially launched the mainnet of Intmax, a novel Ethereum layer that promises ultra-low-cost, privacy-preserving payments.

Announced on June 26, the protocol introduces a stateless design that drastically reduces on-chain data, requiring just about 5 bytes per transaction, even in high-traffic conditions.

The design enables high throughput without relying on traditional off-chain processing or compression.

This stateless approach, free from the usual constraints of network congestion and gas fees, maintains full compatibility with Ethereum’s security architecture.

At its core, Intmax brings the long-awaited “Plasma Concept” into real-world use. Once hailed as the most promising Layer 2 scaling solution when introduced in 2017, Plasma has remained largely theoretical due to technical hurdles until now. Intmax is the first protocol to implement it practically.

Beyond its scalability, Intmax also secures personal data by keeping remittance history and account balances off-chain, offering strong privacy protections.

The team behind Intmax has also unveiled a “Privacy Mining” mechanism. This system rewards users for actions that enhance privacy, fostering a balance between anonymity and incentive, key for the sustainable growth of a decentralised network.

Industry voices signal promise

Justin Drake, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, noted, “In some ways, it’s more efficient than ZK rollup,” highlighting how the protocol defers SNARK verification until users withdraw funds.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin described Intmax as a “hybrid Plasma/Rollup,” pointing out its minimal on-chain footprint:

“By putting only a small amount of data (say, 5 bytes) on-chain per user, we can achieve properties that are somewhere between Plasma and Rollup.”

With its launch, Intmax is poised to reshape Ethereum-based payments by solving long-standing scalability and privacy concerns.

Edited by Annette George