The NeoVM-compatible RISC-V digital machine answer for Neo 4 handed block-by-block state root validation towards the entire Neo MainNet dataset, validating the design past the idea stage. Neo co-founder and lead developer Erik Zhang shared the milestone and defined the outcomes validated that the method produces similar state transitions in current programs.
This work follows Zhang’s draft Neo 4 roadmap revealed in September 2025, which proposed NeoVM 2 as a next-generation digital machine with RISC-V compatibility, fine-grained gasoline metering, and improved price effectivity. On the time, Zhang stated that the adoption of RISC-V would permit Neo to onboard current developer infrastructure, enhance effectivity, and enhance assist for zero-knowledge proofs.
Structure and validation
This implementation integrates PolkaVM, a RISC-V-based digital machine initially developed by Parity Applied sciences for the Polkadot ecosystem, into the Neo execution surroundings. An structure diagram shared by Neo Core developer Jimmy Liao reveals a layered design. Neo Core C# nodes interface with the PolkaVM host runtime written in Rust through an exterior operate interface bridge, and a RISC-V sandbox layer helps each legacy NeoVM bytecode and native RISC-V contracts.
We now have a NeoVM suitable RISC-V VM answer. Exhibits root-level validations that handed for all blocks on mainnet knowledge. This can be a work that’s nonetheless being explored. pic.twitter.com/GY2RKjU9U1
— jimmy.neo (@r3ejimmy) April 11, 2026
State root validation works by evaluating cryptographic hashes that characterize the whole blockchain state at every block top. By operating the brand new VM implementation for all MainNet blocks and verifying constant state roots throughout the board, the staff demonstrated practical equivalence between the RISC-V-based system and the present NeoVM.
There are two paths to Neo’s future.
Zhang stated the validated answer opens two avenues for Neo’s growth. It is about sustaining compatibility with the present NeoVM contract ecosystem and creating room to run native RISC-V contracts. he stated:
“Whereas that is nonetheless exploratory work, the course is evident: develop Neo’s VM capabilities and developer prospects with out fragmenting the present ecosystem.”
The twin-path method is in keeping with the broader Neo 4 design philosophy, which emphasizes full backwards compatibility to make sure that current tokens, sensible contracts, and functions deployed on Neo N3 proceed to operate with out migration or redeployment.
RISC-V is an open-source instruction set structure that permits sensible contracts to be compiled to a typical instruction set fairly than customized bytecode, probably increasing assist for languages and instruments. Different blockchain initiatives, together with Ethereum, are contemplating RISC-V as a complement or alternative for current VM architectures.
Zhang’s authentic announcement will be discovered on the hyperlink beneath.
https://x.com/erikzhang/standing/2042992425145160183
