Zero-Knowledge Proofs: How it Works

Analytics & Tech

Basic
SkillsFuture
Short Courses

This module is conducted online.

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Fee

SGD2,180* (as low as SGD254 after maximum funding) Learn More

Duration

2 Full Days (Weekdays)

Level

Basic

Who Should Attend

Technology professionals involved in blockchain and cryptography-related projects.

PREREQUISITES

There are no prerequisites for this programme. Prior knowledge on any of the topics is not required.

Overview

Zero-knowledge proofs refer to a cryptographic protocol where a party can prove possession of certain information without revealing the information itself. They are currently in excessive development, both in terms of theoretical machinery and practical implementations, and have the potential to scale blockchain-based solutions securely. Additionally, a standardisation effort for zero-knowledge proofs is currently in progress.

Most learning materials struggle to explain why they are important and how they work internally, so zero-knowledge proofs remain somewhat “magical” and elusive, deterring developers from effectively exploring or utilising them in a big span of projects. In this course, we will focus on the mathematical and cryptographic foundations of zk-SNARKs, a type of commonly used zero-knowledge proof. The acronym zk-SNARK stands for “Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Argument of Knowledge”, and the course will focus on every development step of the Groth16 zk-SNARK.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the 2-day course, participants will be able to:

Explain the capabilities, limitations and applications of zero-knowledge proof
Analyse arithmetics and algebra for cryptographic building blocks
Assess elliptic curves and review elliptic curve pairings
Dissect and construct Groth16 zk-SNARK setup, prover and verifier
Design statements to be proven in Groth16 zk-SNARK and build them in different representations (algebraic circuits, R1CS, QAP)
Use SageMath for mathematical calculations and Circom for zk-SNARK calculations

Assessment

As part of the requirement for SkillsFuture Singapore, there will be an assessment conducted at the end of the course. The mode of assessment, which is up to the trainer’s discretion, may be an online quiz, a presentation or based on classroom exercises.

Participants are required to attain a minimum of 75% attendance and pass the associated assessment in order to receive a digital Certificate of Completion issued by Singapore Management University.

Calculate Programme Fee

Fee Table

COMPANY-SPONSORED

PARTICIPANT PROFILE

SELF-SPONSORED

SME

NON-SME

Singapore Citizen < 40 years old

Permanent Resident

LTVP+

$654

(After SSG Funding 70%)

$254

(After SSG Funding 70%
+ ETSS Funding 20%)

$654

(After SSG Funding 70%)

Singapore Citizen ≥ 40 years old

$254

(After SSG Funding 70%
+ MCES Funding 20%)

$254

(After SSG Funding 70%
+ ETSS Funding 20%)

$254

(After SSG Funding 70%
+ MCES Funding 20%)

International Participant

$2,180

(No Funding)

$2,180

(No Funding)

$2,180

(No Funding)

All prices include 9% GST

Please note that the programme fees are subject to change without prior notice.

Post Secondary Education Account (PSEA)
PSEA can be utilised for subsidised programmes eligible for SkillsFuture Credit support. Click here to find out more.

Self Sponsored

SkillsFuture Credit: Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above may use their SkillsFuture Credits to pay for the course fees. The credits may be used on top of existing course fee funding.

This is only applicable to self-sponsored participants. Application to utilise SkillsFuture Credits can be submitted when making payment for the course via the SMU Academy TMS Portal, and can only be made within 60 days of course start date.

Please click here for more information on the SkillsFuture Credit. For help in submitting an SFC claim, you may wish to refer to our step-by-step guide on claiming SkillsFuture Credits (Individual).
Workfare Skills Support Scheme: From 1 July 2023, the Workfare Skills Support (WSS) scheme has been enhanced. Please click here for more details.

Company Sponsored

Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS)

Organisation must be registered or incorporated in Singapore
Employment size of not more than 200 or with annual sales turnover of not more than $100 million
Trainees must be hired in accordance with the Employment Act and fully sponsored by their employers for the course
Trainees must be Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents
Trainees must not be a full-time national serviceman
Trainees are eligible for ETSS funding only if their company's SME status is approved prior to the course commencement date. To verify your SME's status, please click here.

Please click here for more information on ETSS.

Absentee Payroll