Directorate

To develop Hardware Implementation of zk-SNARKs (Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge) Algorithm modules: Quotient Polynomial h(x) amd MSM using Pippenger Algorithm.

A zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) is a protocol in which one party (the prover) can convince another party (the verifier) that some given statement is true, without conveying to the verifier any information beyond the mere fact of that statement’s truth.

Types of Zero Knowledge Proofs:

1. Interactive Zero-Knowledge Proof (IZKP):

Require multiple rounds of communication between prover and verifier.

2. Non-Interactive Zero-Knowledge Proof (NIZKP):

NIZKPs allow the prover to generate a single proof that can be verified by anyone without further interaction. i.e., the verifier can independently check its validity using the same proof. Ex: zk-SNARKs and zk-STARK.

NIZKPs are more scalable and efficient for block chain and other decentralized applications due to their single-round communication pattern.

ZK-SNARK is abbreviated as “Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge.”

1. Zero-Knowledge: Prover can prove that he knows something without revealing the actual information.

2. Succinct: The proof is short and efficient, meaning it doesn’t take up much space or require much time to verify.

3. Non-Interactive: ZK-SNARKs work with a single message from the prover to the verifier.

4. Argument of Knowledge: This ensures that the prover genuinely knows the information they claim to know and isn’t bluffing or using fake data.

Generating ZK-SNARK proofs requires significant computational resources. While verification is fast, the proof generation process can be slow and resource-intensive, particularly for large or complex computations. Proof generation in zk-SNARKs consumes approximately 90% of total computation time, primarily due to two critical operations:

• Multi-scalar Multiplication (MSM): Dominates computational workload (approx. 70% of proof generation time) requiring intensive elliptic curve operations.

• Number Theoretic Transform (NTT): Creates substantial memory pressure due to large-scale polynomial computations with high-bitwidth operand.

Scope:

The scope of this project is to implement the Following modules:

1. Quotient Polynomial h(x) generation module on FPGAs, which takes the input from Trusted setup of zk-SNARKs and provides the polynomial h(x).

2. MSM module with Pippenger Algorithm.

Shall perform Performance testing and integration of these modules with C-DOT developed modules and/or third party HW/SW modules to realize the ZKP system.

Expected Outcome:

1. Quotient Polynomial generation module of Proof generation in Zk-SNARK.

2. MSM module with Pippenger Algorithm.

3. Integration with Trusted Setup and other modules of zk-SNARKs system.

Deliverables:

1. Test bench and Simulation results of the modules.

2. Test reports

Support for Technical clarification during the Integration.

Interested Startup may submit the pitch deck comprising of following:

• Problem being solved

• Market opportunity for product

• Proposed solution/ Defining product

• Value proposition

• Technology details

• Competition analysis

• Founding Team Composition

• DPIIT Registration (Mandatory)

• Start-up stage status

• Current ownership

• Business model and innovation

Design and implement a high-speed, line-of-sight Light Fidelity (LiFi) communication system that is compliant with ITU-T G.9991 and G.9960 standards. The system must utilize a Laser Diode for optical data transmission and a Photo Diode for reception. The complete system should be built around Raspberry Pi (RPi) platforms, such that one RPi transmits Ethernet data via LiFi and another RPi receives it and outputs it back through Ethernet. The solution should include hardware interfacing, embedded code, and real-time data transmission capabilities.

LiFi is an emerging wireless communication technology that offers high data rates using visible or infrared light instead of traditional radio waves. ITU-T G.9991 and G.9960 standards define physical and data link layer specifications for optical wireless communications, ensuring interoperability and performance benchmarks. The need for secure, interference-free, and high-throughput short-range communication systems motivates the development of this LiFi prototype. Raspberry Pi-based implementation enables low-cost deployment, rapid prototyping, and integration with existing Ethernet-based infrastructure, making this system suitable for smart environments, IoT networks, or secure indoor communication.

The system should consist of two main units:

Transmitter Unit (RPi1-based):

· Accepts Ethernet data input.

· Processes and encodes the data in compliance with ITU-T G.9991/G.9960.

· Transmits data using a Laser Diode through LiFi.

· May require custom driver circuitry and signal modulation hardware.

Receiver Unit (RPi2-based):

· Receives LiFi signal via Photo Diode.

· Decodes and processes the data.

· Outputs the recovered data via Ethernet.

· May include signal conditioning, demodulation, and synchronization logic.

Scope includes:

· Implementing physical layer modulation compatible with ITU-T G.9991 (e.g., OOK, PAM).

· Timing synchronization and error correction as per ITU-T G.9960 MAC layer.

· Design and fabrication of interface hardware (signal amplification, ADC/DAC if needed).

Developing low-level and high-level software for RPi to handle data I/O and optical signalling.

Functional Prototype:
A working LiFi system using RPi units and custom hardware to support real-time Ethernet-to-Ethernet communication over a laser-based optical link.

Hardware Designs:
Schematic and PCB design files of the interfacing board connecting the Laser Diode and Photo Diode to Raspberry Pi GPIO or SPI/I2C/UART interfaces.

Firmware and Software:
Source code running on the RPi, implementing ITU-T compliant modulation/demodulation and data handling.

Documentation:

· System architecture and design report.

· Setup and deployment instructions.

· Performance metrics (data rate, error rate, range, latency).

Demonstration:
A test scenario showing successful transmission of a file or streaming data (e.g., video, text) from RPi1 to RPi2 over the optical LiFi link.

Interested Startup may submit the pitch deck comprising of following:

• Problem being solved

• Market opportunity for product

• Proposed solution/ Defining product

• Value proposition

• Technology details

• Competition analysis

• Founding Team Composition

• DPIIT Registration (Mandatory)

• Start-up stage status

• Current ownership

• Business model and innovation