Starting 2026 with ambitious goals across different areas of my life. Here’s what I’m planning to tackle this year.
Building a Verifier-First ZK Framework in Zig
The main technical goal for this year is to build a Zero-Knowledge verification framework in Zig. The core idea is a Verifier-First Architecture - a firewall that doesn’t need to generate proofs, only verify them efficiently.
The Pedagogical Approach
I’m treating Zero-Knowledge not as magic, but as a computational integrity compiler:
- Arithmetic: Replace bitwise operations (XOR, AND) with modular arithmetic (Finite Fields)
- Memory: Replace RAM with Polynomials
- Logic: Replace if/else with Constraint Systems (R1CS)
- Verification: Replace re-running code with checking a cryptographic equality (Pairings)
Foundation: Mastering Zig First
Before diving into the cryptography implementation, I’m building a solid foundation in Zig:
Ziglings: Working through the entire ziglings exercise set to internalize the language’s patterns, memory model, and error handling.
Zig Standard Library Deep Dive: Reading and annotating Zig’s crypto primitives implementations (std.crypto). For each module, I’ll write explanatory notes with:
- Visual diagrams of data structures and memory layouts
- Animations showing algorithm execution flow
- Step-by-step breakdowns of mathematical operations
- Performance considerations and optimization techniques
This preparation phase is crucial - understanding how experienced Zig developers implement crypto will inform better design decisions throughout the project.
The 12-Week Learning Path
The main project is structured as an intensive learning journey:
Phase 1: The Substrate (Weeks 1-2)
- Building finite field arithmetic from scratch
- Implementing polynomial operations for memory encoding
- Creating the primitive data types for cryptography
Phase 2: Cryptographic Primitives (Weeks 3-4)
- Elliptic curve arithmetic
- Building hash functions and transcript mechanisms
- Creating constant-time implementations
Phase 3: Interactive ZK (Weeks 5-6)
- Implementing Schnorr identification protocol
- Building a basic HTTP proxy with ZK middleware
- Creating a rudimentary ZK-Auth server
Phase 4: SNARK Verification (Weeks 7-9)
- Implementing bilinear pairings
- Building a Groth16 verifier
- Integrating with SnarkJS for proof generation
Phase 5: The ZK API Firewall (Weeks 10-12)
- Policy mapping and header parsing
- Building a complete reverse proxy
- Implementing range proofs for real-world use cases
The end goal is a proxy that cryptographically guarantees business logic (like age verification) without seeing the private data.
Learning Drumming
I’m diving into self-learning drumming using online resources with my eFnote drumkit. As someone who loves music, I’ve always wanted to develop this skill, and this year I’m committing to consistent practice.
Self-Care and Good Habits
As an extremely busy parent of two toddlers, I’m focusing on building sustainable routines for:
- Dental care: Making flossing a daily habit
- Skin and hair care: Establishing a consistent routine
- Fitness: Finding ways to work out as a busy vegetarian parent
The key is building habits that actually stick despite the chaos of parenting.
Teaching Physics Through Play
One of my favorite goals is getting my 4-year-old interested in physics and related math concepts through playful exploration. The plan is to build simple projects and experiments that make science engaging and tangible for a young mind.
Project Ideas
Simple Machines & Mechanics
- Ramp Races: Building ramps at different angles to explore gravity, friction, and speed. Which angle makes the car go fastest? Why?
- Lever Playground: Creating seesaws with different fulcrum positions to demonstrate mechanical advantage
- Pulley System: Setting up a simple pulley to lift toys - experiencing how machines make work easier
Magnetism
- Magnetic Fishing Game: Fishing for magnetic objects to learn about attraction and repulsion
- Invisible Forces: Using iron filings and magnets to visualize magnetic field lines
- Compass Building: Making a simple compass to explore Earth’s magnetic field
Balance & Center of Gravity
- Balancing Bird: Creating a cardboard bird that balances on a fingertip
- Stacking Challenge: Building towers and learning about stability and center of mass
- Walking Tightrope: Simple balance beam activities connecting to physics concepts
Water & Fluids
- Sink or Float: Predicting and testing which objects float, introducing density
- Water Wheel: Building a simple water wheel to convert flowing water into motion
- Bubble Physics: Exploring surface tension and minimal surfaces through bubble-making
Light & Shadows
- Shadow Theater: Using flashlights to create shadows and explore how light travels in straight lines
- Rainbow Maker: Using prisms and water to split light into colors
- Sun Dial: Building a simple sundial to track the sun’s movement
Sound & Vibrations
- String Telephone: Exploring how vibrations travel through materials
- Homemade Instruments: Creating simple drums, shakers, and string instruments to learn about pitch and amplitude
- Tuning Fork Play: Feeling vibrations and seeing them create ripples in water
Air & Pressure
- Parachute Drop: Making parachutes to explore air resistance
- Balloon Rockets: Launching balloon rockets along string to demonstrate Newton’s third law
- Paper Airplane Lab: Testing different designs to learn about lift and drag
Each project will focus on hands-on building, observation, prediction, and play rather than formal instruction. The goal is to build intuition and curiosity, not memorization.
I’ll be documenting the journey through these goals in this blog. The ZK framework development will likely get the most detailed coverage, but I hope to share insights from all these learning experiences.
Let’s see where 2026 takes us!