Hop Protocol

Author: Chris Whinfrey
Status: Snapshot-only HIP 

We propose a new protocol roadmap to modularize the Hop stack into simple, trustless primitives for building cross-chain applications.

The current version of Hop has proven out Hop’s underlying cross-chain infrastructure. This next phase opens it up for an ecosystem to be built on top.

Modules will enable cross-chain functionality such as:

Messaging
Token transfers
NFT transfers
Omnichain tokens
And more :sparkles:

Core Messenger

The Hop Core Messenger allows anyone to leverage efficient, trustless cross-chain messaging in their application. This simple but powerful primitive underpins the rest of the Hop stack.

We’re excited to say the Hop Core Messenger is live on the Goerli testnet here! If you want to learn more, you can get started here.

Token Bridge

The Hop Token Bridge will introduce a decentralized network of active liquidity providers standing ready to complete cross-chain transfers. Improvements in both capital efficiency and gas efficiency will significantly reduce bridge costs and improve liquidity when compared with Hop v1.

NFT Bridge

The Hop NFT Bridge will allow users to move NFTs across any supported network as easily as bridging a token. The design, originally proposed by Vitalik, allows NFT transfers to be verified immediately off-chain and settled later on-chain. The simplicity, cost effectiveness, and trustless nature of the Hop Core Messenger makes it an ideal settlement layer for a secure NFT bridge.

Omnichain Tokens

Omnichain tokens such as $HOP making transfers across networks cheap and efficient. Hop Omnichain Tokens will make it simple to launch tokens with bridging and cross-chain governance functionality built in.

More

This is just the start of what can be built on top of a trustless cross-chain messaging layer. Cross-chain DEXs, lending, governance, and much more are research areas that are just beginning to be explored.

Timeline

While the code for the Hop Core Messenger is near complete and the first cross-chain use cases can go live shortly, Authereum Labs is targeting completion of all 4 initial primitives and supporting software before the end of Q3 of 2023. Should this roadmap be accepted, more in depth write ups and documentation on each module will be released as they are developed.

Acceptance

After the request for comment period and any necessary adjustments are made, the roadmap will be put to a snapshot vote. A passing snapshot vote will constitute this roadmap accepted.

Voting Options:
* Yes
* No
* Abstain