Tricorn x Aztec: A Private Cross-Chain AMM

Aztec
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Contact Details:
Website: https://tricorn.network/ https://boostylabs.com/
Email: maksym.m@boostylabs.com
Telegram: @maximmrt
GitHub: https://github.com/BoostyLabs/tricorn

Summary (max 300 words): We propose building a private cross-chain AMM DEX that leverages the Tricorn cross-chain bridge infrastructure and Aztec’s zero-knowledge Layer 2 privacy model. The product enables users to provide liquidity across different chains (e.g., ETH on Ethereum and USDC on Polygon), initiate private swaps entirely within Aztec, and receive assets cross-chain via Tricorn.

Tricorn is an existing modular bridge protocol with smart contracts and microservices that automatically integrate any EVM-compatible chain into the bridging network. For this grant, we will extend Tricorn to support Aztec, implement liquidity pool functionality across chains, and build an Aztec-native AMM smart contract using Noir. The contract will handle swaps, price calculations, and private intents. All actions will remain private and unlinkable.

Swap intents will be created privately by users in Aztec and verified against signed deposit claims issued by Tricorn bridge contracts. Swap execution will occur entirely within Aztec, and Tricorn will listen to events and deliver assets to the recipient on the target chain.

The result will be the first cross-chain, privacy-preserving AMM DEX, bridging fragmented liquidity and front-running-free execution. This MVP will focus on a single token pair (DAI/USDC) across two chains (Ethereum and Polygon), with clear pathways to extend functionality post-launch.

Start and End Date: Start: April 1, 2025
MVP on Aztec testnet: June 2025

About the Team: Boosty Labs: - is a team behind Tricorn

Since 2017, BOOSTY LABS has been the trusted partner for over 100 companies, delivering expert software development in Web3, Blockchain, Fintech, AI, and Cloud. With a team of 150+ skilled developers, we’ve worked with industry leaders like ConsenSys, McKinsey, and Ledger to create scalable, tailored solutions that drive success.

Tricorn is a cross-chain bridge that connects various blockchain networks and facilitates seamless asset transfers between them. Tricorn leverages its proprietary cross-chain communication protocol, enabling secure and efficient operations across different blockchain ecosystems, such as Ethereum, Polygon, BNB, Avalanche, Concordium, Stellar, Solana, Runes protocol, Bitcoin, and TON.

What We’re Building:

  • Bridge extension: Smart contracts and backend connector for Aztec.
  • Liquidity pools: Tricorn-side LP system with cross-chain pairs.
  • AMM logic: Noir-based x*y=k implementation, swap intents, note-based balances.
  • ZK verifications: Signed deposit claims verified inside Aztec.
  • Execution relayer: Event listener for swap execution via Tricorn.
  • Minimal UI: React frontend for swap creation and status tracking.

Technical Hurdles:

  • AMM logic in Noir (limited documentation, performance constraints).
  • Cross-chain timing coordination.
  • Balancing UX simplicity with private ZK interactions.

User Flow:

  1. User deposits DAI into Ethereum, USDC into Polygon via Tricorn.
  2. Backend issues signed deposit claims.
  3. User creates private swap intent in Aztec.
  4. Noir AMM computes swap; new note is issued.
  5. Tricorn listens, validates, and sends USDC to user’s Polygon address.

Milestones and Roadmap:

  • Integrate Aztek to Tricorn bridging.
  • Enable LP functionality across EVM chains.
  • Build Noir AMM logic and ZK-swap engine.
  • Deliver minimal frontend and connect UI ↔ Aztec ↔ Tricorn.

Future Work:

  • Add more tokens and chains.
  • Cosmos-based Tricorn execution layer.
  • ZK storage proofs for fully trustless deposit verification.
  • zk-KYC access control (optional).

Grant Amount Requested: $50,000

Budget Rationale:

  • $15k: Smart contract and backend integration of Tricorn with Aztec.
  • $10k: Tricorn liquidity pool expansion, LP rewards logic.
  • $25k: Noir-based AMM contract, intent system, notes, basic UI.

Questions:

  • Will Aztec provide dev support or audited primitives for swap construction in Noir?
  • Can light client sync or Aztec-native indexing be used to validate deposits in future?
  • Any preferred ZK signature scheme or registry for verifying external claims?
2

Hi! thanks for the proposal - quick question

AMMs (especially x*y=k) can’t happen privately as they inherently rely on public information like amount of liquidity locked. You could achieve identity privacy (i.e. hide the address) but not the swap intent.

So moving assets cross chain into Aztec and tjen instantly depositing into an AMM doesn’t really do much since EVM address and swap intent are both public.

The reverse could be possible - move assets from aztec to evm l2 for swapping.

Two good resources: