Eigen Labs has revealed a major upgrade to its decentralized infrastructure platform, EigenLayer, by introducing multi-chain verification. This new capability allows Actively Validated Services (AVSs), which were previously limited to Ethereum’s Layer 1 network, to now expand to Layer 2 networks and other blockchain ecosystems. The development marks a significant milestone in scaling blockchain services while maintaining strong security standards.
EigenLayer is a restaking protocol that enables users to secure third-party applications, known as AVSs, by reusing their staked ETH, including liquid staking tokens. This process of restaking ETH allows developers to build services that benefit from Ethereum’s security model without staring their own separate validator networks. According to The Block’s data dashboard, EigenLayer currently secures around $18 billion worth of ETH and liquid-staked ETH tokens — a testament to its growing role in Ethereum’s evolving security landscape.
With the satrt of multi-chain verification, AVSs can now go beyond the limitations of Ethereum L1 and deploy across multiple blockchain environments. This includes integration with Layer 2 networks, which are designed to offer faster and cheaper transactions compared to Ethereum’s base layer. Services built on EigenLayer will now be able to operate in these lower-cost environments without sacrificing the core trust and security principles of the protocol.
This shift could have major implications for developers. By expanding AVS deployment to Layer 2 networks, Eigen Labs is aiming to reduce the cost and technical barriers of building decentralized services. According to the team, AVS developers can now set up their smart contracts on Layer 2s within hours, thanks to simplified configuration options. This faster onboarding process opens the door for developers to reach more users and improve the performance of their services in environments with faster block times and lower transaction fees.
One key benefit of this expansion is the ability to maintain security properties while working across different chains. Eigen Labs emphasized that the trust guarantees associated with EigenLayer remain intact even as AVSs operate beyond Ethereum L1. This is possible because the platform continues to use re-staked ETH as a shared security layer, regardless of the chain on which a service is deployed.
At start, the multi-chain verification feature is available on the Base Sepolia testnet. However, a full mainnet start is expected in the coming months, along with support for additional chains. General availability is targeted for the third quarter of 2025, marking a near-term milestone for AVS developers looking to scale their operations beyond Ethereum.
The timing of this update aligns with Eigen Labs’ broader push to offer a more comprehensive and modular development environment. Just last month, the team introduced EigenCloud, a unified platform that brings together core infrastructure tools such as EigenDA (for data availability), EigenVerify (for dispute resolution), and EigenCompute (for compute services). These tools are designed to work in harmony with the new multi-chain capabilities, giving developers a complete set of building blocks to create scalable, secure applications.
The momentum behind Eigen Labs has also attracted strong support from major venture capital firms. In June, a16z crypto revealed a $70 million purchase of EIGEN tokens, building on its lead investment in the company’s $100 million Series B funding round. This level of institutional backing further solidifies Eigen Labs’ position as a major player in the blockchain infrastructure space.
In conclusion, the start of multi-chain verification represents a significant evolution for EigenLayer and the broader Ethereum ecosystem. By enabling AVSs to expand beyond Ethereum’s Layer 1 and operate on Layer 2s and other chains, Eigen Labs is making it easier for developers to build efficient, secure, and scalable applications. With full mainnet support and expanded chain compatibility expected soon, this update could pave the way for a new wave of decentralized services backed by Ethereum’s restaked security.
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