What Is Union?

(Source: union_build)

Union (U) utilizes Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs), BLS signatures, and consensus-driven verification mechanisms to create an efficient, secure, and modular base layer specifically designed for cross-chain messaging, asset transfer, NFT interaction, and DeFi integration.

Union’s Core Positioning

Union’s mission is to establish a new benchmark for cross-chain interoperability. Its protocol is built on IBC (Inter-Blockchain Communication) and is further optimized for speed and resilience. Unlike traditional cross-chain solutions that rely on centralized third parties or intermediaries, Union secures transactions using zero-knowledge cryptography and consensus validation, allowing developers to seamlessly and modularly connect both rollups and public blockchains to Union. The primary features of Union include:

• High speed: Enables cross-chain transaction creation and settlement in minimal time.
• Security: Strictly follows fork selection rules to reduce attack risks.
• Forward-looking: The technical foundation is built for the coming decade, ensuring sustainable scalability.
• Developer-friendly: Advanced APIs empower developers across different ecosystems to onboard quickly.

Technical Architecture and Innovation

At the heart of Union’s architecture are two primary modules: Connections and Channels.

1. Connections
   Each connection integrates a finality mechanism and security level, supporting both Soft Finality and Hard Finality. This design allows efficient support for Layer 2 networks like Arbitrum.
2. Channels
   Each channel matches a specific messaging protocol, permitting multiple protocols to operate concurrently.
   Union currently supports two primary connection methods:

• Direct Connections: Single-hop communication for simplicity and efficiency.
• Recursive Connections: Multi-hop communication using State Lenses, enabling more flexible cross-chain operations.

This architecture enables Union to support various rollups and public blockchains at once, enabling broader cross-chain applications.

Use Cases and Advantages

1. Cross-chain asset transfer
   Union’s protocol allows rapid and secure transfers of both tokens and NFTs across blockchains.
2. DeFi integration
   Union provides standardized interfaces that enable liquidity and yield products from different chains to interact, boosting capital efficiency.
3. Cross-chain messaging
   Beyond assets, Union supports cross-chain smart contract messaging, unlocking new possibilities for multi-chain DApps.
4. True decentralized security
   Utilizing Zero-Knowledge Proofs and consensus validation, Union mitigates common multisig and oracle risks associated with traditional cross-chain bridges.
5. Modularity and universality
   Union is dedicated to enabling connectivity for all blockchains and rollups, removing the limitations of single-ecosystem solutions.

Partnerships and Growth

Union collaborates with leading projects including AggLayer and Arbitrum to drive the adoption of cross-chain protocols. As more ecosystems and rollups integrate, Union aims to become the backbone of cross-chain communication infrastructure. Looking ahead, Union’s vision is to create an open network where any asset, message, or chain can interact, truly powering Web3 interoperability.

Tokenomics

Union’s native token is U, with a fixed total supply of 10 billion tokens. The initial circulating supply is 1,919,050,000 tokens, representing approximately 19.19% of total supply before inflation. Token distribution is as follows:

• Investors: 14.1%
  Strategic investors who support the project’s early development.
• Foundation: 20%
  Allocated for protocol operations, technology advancement, and strategic partnerships.
• Community incentives: 12%
  Motivates users to join testing, contribute liquidity, and grow the ecosystem.
• DAO Treasury: 12.5%
  Governance-driven allocation for future ecosystem building and funding.
• Core contributors: 20%
  Rewards for the development team and long-term participants to ensure ongoing innovation.

Union employs an inflationary model with an initial annual inflation rate of 6%. This rate decreases by 10% each year until reaching 2%. By decreasing the inflation rate annually, this approach sustains network rewards while gradually moving toward long-term stability.

U spot trading will launch on September 4, 2025, at 17:00 (UTC+8). To explore more about Web3, visit: https://www.gate.com/

Conclusion

As multi-chain architectures become a foundational element of Web3, true value will depend on how efficiently and securely cross-chain collaboration occurs. Union (U) is committed to breaking down cross-chain barriers, creating a high-speed, secure, and decentralized pathway for assets, applications, and communities. Backed by Zero-Knowledge Proofs and a modular framework, Union is positioned to serve as the core infrastructure for cross-chain communication. It aims to help lead the next chapter in decentralized finance and the broader Web3 ecosystem.