How Hemi connects the King and Queen of crypto.

Ethereum and Bitcoin. Before Hemi, the two leading blockchain networks by volume and developer adoption operated like oil and water—they didn’t mix. Ethereum supports complex operations on a Turing-complete virtual machine and features a robust ecosystem. Bitcoin is more stripped down, built for payments and not much else.

Hemi brings the two together. It enables collaboration between Bitcoin and Ethereum with a decentralized architecture that addresses core incompatibilities.

Cross-Chain Challenges

Differences in consensus mechanisms and operational models make native asset transfers between Bitcoin and Ethereum difficult.

Ethereum’s virtual machine supports complex smart contracts. Bitcoin limits programmability by design, prioritizing security. That choice makes Bitcoin incompatible with Ethereum-style contracts and complicates integration of advanced features like zero-knowledge proofs.

The networks also use different accounting systems. Bitcoin relies on the UTXO model, tracking spendable outputs from past transactions. Ethereum uses an account-based model, continuously updating contract states and balances.

When it comes to interoperability, Ethereum is more open, with several Layer 2 scaling solutions widely adopted. Bitcoin’s progress has been slower, with many early solutions relying on custodial bridges that introduce security risks.

Hemi Connects Bitcoin and Ethereum

Hemi addresses these technical and architectural divides while preserving decentralization. It removes the need for custodians or third parties.

The Hemi Virtual Machine™ (hVM™) combines an Ethereum Virtual Machine with a fully indexed Bitcoin node. eIt works alongside the Hemi Bitcoin Kit (hBK), a set of smart contracts that make it possible to build Bitcoin-aware EVM dApps without dealing with low-level Bitcoin logic.

Most Bitcoin Layer 2 networks use bridges controlled by third-party custodians. Hemi replaces these with decentralized tunnels—smart contract-based, multi-signature systems that allow asset transfers without a single point of control. These tunnels preserve decentralization and reduce attack surfaces.

Hemi also inherits Bitcoin’s security model. Its Proof-of-Proof (PoP) consensus anchors transactions to Bitcoin’s PoW network. After a PoS-based preliminary check, hashed Hemi blocks are published to Bitcoin and validated by PoP miners. This creates a dual-verification system, giving Hemi transactions strong finality within hours.

Interoperability, Secured

Hemi tackles the core challenges between Bitcoin and Ethereum and provides a decentralized, secure, and scalable framework for cross-chain interaction. Its tunnels, finality model, and built-in Bitcoin node within hVM directly address the tradeoffs that limit most other networks.

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