Horizen (ZEN) is a blockchain network that utilizes zero-knowledge cryptography to provide a platform for the development of decentralized applications. It is powered by an extensive node infrastructure and employs the Zendoo protocol to enable blockchain interoperability. The network has the capacity to support up to 10,000 sidechains with a throughput limit of 10,000,000 transactions per second (TPS). Horizen's native digital asset, ZEN, is a mineable Proof-of-Work (PoW) coin that can be staked to participate in the network's extensive node system. The network seeks to provide a permissionless environment where developers can deploy their blockchains using a variety of Software Development Kits (SDKs).

Horizen operates through a network of blockchains powered by the Zendoo protocol, which employs SNARK-verification to enable blockchain interoperability. This allows for flexibility in sidechain type, consensus, and speed. The network has the capacity to support up to 10,000 sidechains, each capable of running up to 1,000 TPS. Developers can deploy their blockchains within the ecosystem using SDKs like Blaze and Latus, which are based on IOHK's Ouroboros proof-of-stake protocol. Horizen's native digital asset, ZEN, can be staked to participate in the network's node system, contributing to the network's decentralization.

Horizen strives to provide a platform for the development of decentralized applications. Its zero-knowledge-enabled network of blockchains allows developers to build scalable blockchains that can support tens of thousands of transactions per second while maintaining decentralization. Additionally, Horizen's sidechain solution, Zendoo, enables the deployment of thousands of independent sidechains that can communicate with the mainchain and each other, expanding the potential use cases for the network.

Horizen was established by Rob Viglione and Rolf Versluis. Rob Viglione, who holds a Ph.D. in Finance and has worked as a scientist in the space industry, is the co-founder and CEO of Horizen Labs and the team lead of the Zen Blockchain Foundation. Rolf Versluis, an experienced business owner in the IT industry and a former officer in the US Submarine force, is the co-founder and executive advisor of the Zen Blockchain Foundation. Jane Lippencott, a member of the founding team and co-author of the original whitepaper, is now a partner at a16z Crypto. Horizen is recognized for its expertise in zero-knowledge-based blockchain technology and has made several advancements in the cryptography space.

ZenNodes are a crucial part of the Horizen blockchain network, contributing to its security, scalability, and decentralization. They are divided into three types: Secure Nodes, Super Nodes, and Regular Full Nodes. Secure Nodes and Super Nodes are nodes that receive non-monetary rewards and require a specific amount of ZEN cryptocurrency to be allocated as collateral. Secure Nodes, which require an allocation of 42 ZEN, strive to enhance the security and resilience of the Horizen network through point-to-point encryption. Super Nodes, which require an allocation of 500 ZEN, aim to offer improvements to the Horizen ecosystem by enabling a sidechain platform for unlimited blockchains and decentralized applications (dApps). Regular Full Nodes, despite not receiving non-monetary rewards, are vital for maintaining an up-to-date copy of the blockchain. By operating a ZenNode, users contribute to the network's decentralization and receive non-monetary recognition for their contributions, fostering a robust and resilient blockchain infrastructure.

Users can participate in Horizen's staking and node ecosystem by operating a Horizen Super Node or Secure Node. A Super Node requires 500 ZEN to operate and participants may receive non-monetary rewards. Secure Nodes, on the other hand, require 42 ZEN to operate. Both types of nodes contribute to the network's security and decentralization, and operators receive non-monetary incentives for their contributions. Horizen has partnered with StakeHound to enable users to participate in the Ethereum-based DeFi ecosystem while participating in the Horizen node staking process using stakedZEN (stZEN) – an ERC20 token issued by StakeHound, representing a staked ZEN. stZEN holders may receive non-financial incentives from the transaction fees generated on the different sidechains built on Horizen in the future.

Horizen addresses scalability and transaction throughput through a Layer 0 architecture, which is a base infrastructure that empowers developers to launch their own independent blockchains. These blockchains, referred to as sidechains, can be optimized for different aspects of the scalability trilemma, which includes decentralization, security, and scalability. Horizen's sidechain system, Zendoo, allows developers to custom build their own public or private blockchain and customize consensus type, speed, privacy, and tokenomics of their blockchain. This approach aims to manage transaction costs while maintaining a high level of security, a balance challenging for conventional blockchains. Horizen employs its Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) to enable sidechains to communicate and transfer tokens to the mainchain and between other sidechains. This approach not only seeks to enhance transaction throughput but aims to manage gas fees, making it a potential option for developers.

Horizen aims to decentralize decision-making processes within its ecosystem by implementing a DAO. The primary objective of Horizen's DAO is to decentralize the decision-making process regarding the allocation of resources within the non-profit organization. This is achieved by allowing any community member to submit a proposal detailing their intended contribution to the DAO and the resources required for the proposal. The community then reviews and votes on these proposals. The approved proposals are allocated the necessary resources, and the community members who submitted the proposal can commence work. To facilitate this decentralized decision-making process, Horizen has implemented a voting system on a dedicated sidechain, which runs parallel to the main blockchain. This approach aims to utilize the knowledge of individual contributors without disenfranchising regular users. The DAO's operations, including voter registration, voting process, and project funding, are built on a sidechain, ensuring the mainchain remains unaffected. This approach to DAOs reflects Horizen's efforts towards a decentralized and democratic decision-making environment within the cryptocurrency space.

Horizen is a platform that supports a variety of applications and projects. One of the key projects built on the Horizen platform is VMware Horizon 8, a software solution that delivers virtualized Windows and Linux desktops and applications to almost any endpoint device. It provides administrators the flexibility to deploy desktop and application resources close to both their users and the corporate resources they require. Horizon 8's Instant Clone technology aims to reduce the administrative burden of managing and maintaining environments of any scale. Another project integrated with Horizen is VMware App Volumes, which aims to simplify image management strategies and deliver packaged applications across multiple VMware Horizon environments. Horizon 8 is designed to integrate with the Horizon Cloud Service and Workspace ONE Intelligence, aiming to enhance monitoring levels. These applications and projects aim to demonstrate the versatility and functionality of the Horizen platform.

Yes, Horizen has been involved in several collaborations in the blockchain space. For instance, ApeBond and Lynex have collaborated to participate in diverse blockchain activities. This collaboration has allowed ApeBond to explore the unique features and growing community of the Linea ecosystem. Another collaboration is between Startale Labs and Sony Network Communications, which aims to bring changes to the entertainment industry through blockchain technology. Horizen Blockchain Games and Polygon Labs have collaborated to work on Web3 infrastructure. These collaborations demonstrate Horizen's involvement in the blockchain space.

ZenHub is an integral part of the Horizen ecosystem, providing a platform for developers and product owners to collaborate. It aims to bridge the gap between those facilitating the work and those executing it, with the intention of improving productivity and efficiency. ZenHub includes features such as single and multi-repository support, automated issue movement, estimates & planning poker, velocity tracking, burndown charts, board filters, and automated workflows. These features strive to streamline the project management process, intending to simplify planning, tracking, and reporting on software projects. ZenHub's ability to create multiple workspaces with a board within each workspace allows teams to view all their work and priorities in one place. ZenHub's Epics feature provides an additional layer of hierarchy to GitHub issues, aiming to simplify the process for managers and product owners to have comprehensive oversight over the release process. ZenHub's automated workflows strive to relieve teams from manual and repetitive tasks, delivering insights and data that aim to make planning and executing work more efficient.

Horizen strives to foster community engagement and involve its users in decision-making by creating a distributed blockchain platform that aims to enable decentralized applications. This platform is designed to facilitate the creation of real-world blockchain applications while maintaining the privacy of application data, utilizing a suite of zero-knowledge cryptographic tools. This approach aligns with Horizen's community ethos that privacy is a fundamental right. The platform consists of the main Horizen blockchain and its known ZEN token, a core protocol that functions to verify transactions, and modifiable sidechains in consensus and other design characteristics. This structure aims to facilitate user involvement and engagement, as it provides the tools and platform for users to create and interact with decentralized applications.

The Horizen Academy is an educational platform that aims to provide a range of information about blockchain technology and privacy. It is an initiative by Horizen, a participant in the cryptocurrency space, to educate the public about the potential and functionality of blockchain technology. The academy offers a variety of courses, ranging from beginner to expert levels, covering topics such as the basics of blockchain, and Horizen's own technology. The academy aims to provide information about blockchain and cryptocurrency, regardless of the user's prior knowledge or experience. It is a source of information for anyone interested in learning more about these emerging technologies.