Current market conditions show a divide between older assets and new systems. While the Chainlink price and XRP price prediction struggle with technical hurdles, the ZKP protocol is using a different strategy. Its Stage 2 auction, hardware-backed AI verification, and a $5 million prize pool for 10 participants are changing the way projects enter the market. This mix of verifiable scarcity, infrastructure-led utility, and community rewards makes Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) a strong contender for the next big crypto to watch.
For investors looking for alternatives to legacy assets, ZKP offers a new story centered on cryptographic logic and scalable results. By focusing on physical hardware and a transparent supply, ZKP is providing a clear alternative to the current market volatility.
The $12.20 Floor: Chainlink Price Under Heavy Pressure
In early 2026, Chainlink (LINK) is testing a major demand zone between $11.80 and $12.20. Despite a recent 2.45% dip to $11.76, trading volume has increased by 165% to $490.79 million, showing strong interest as the asset hits this zone. On-chain data indicates a 30-day MVRV ratio of -9.5%, suggesting that the Chainlink price is currently below its fair value compared to other large-cap assets.
Technically, a recovery toward $14.90 is the immediate goal, with further targets near $24.52 if the support holds. While Open Interest has decreased to $529.25 million, indicating a reduction in speculative positions, the network’s role in institutional finance remains a factor. Chainlink has enabled $27.75 trillion in transaction value, providing a foundation for the network. If LINK can move past the $13.00 resistance, it may see a new period of growth, impacting the overall Chainlink price outlook for the quarter.
Fragile Footing: The XRP Price Prediction and the $1.61 Risk
XRP is currently finding it difficult to stay above $1.88 as several on-chain metrics show a decrease in activity. The number of active addresses on the XRP Ledger has dropped to 45,000, down from over 51,000 earlier in the month. This reduction in network use is also visible in the derivatives market, where Open Interest has fallen to $3.38 billion. These shifts suggest a more cautious approach from traders, which weighs on the XRP price prediction.
The technical chart shows that XRP is below its 50-day EMA of $2.03, which now acts as a ceiling. While some indicators suggest a temporary bounce, the overall trend remains under pressure. Profit-taking has also increased, with only 50.4% of the supply currently in a profitable state for holders. If the $1.90 level is not reclaimed, the XRP price prediction points toward a possible test of the $1.61 support level. This makes the coming weeks a deciding factor for the asset’s direction.
The ZKP Strategy: $5M Prize Pool and Hardware-Backed Scarcity
The ZKP protocol has entered Stage 2 of its auction, a transition that marks its move toward a more restricted supply model. During this period, the daily release is fixed at 190 million tokens, a reduction from previous levels. A fundamental part of this system is the daily burn: any tokens not allocated within a 24-hour window are destroyed. This programmed scarcity addresses the supply issues often found in older projects.
Utility is driven by Proof Pods, which are $249 hardware units designed for secure AI verification. These devices use cryptographic proofs to confirm AI tasks while keeping private data protected. With $100 million in existing infrastructure, the network is operational and ready for use. This physical layer provides a level of security that distinguishes ZKP from purely speculative assets.
Scalability is managed through a multi-layer framework that handles complex data without slowing the network. By processing tasks off-chain and submitting only lightweight proofs to the blockchain, ZKP supports privacy-sensitive industries like healthcare and finance. This focus on technical efficiency supports its long-term growth potential in the AI sector.
To support community growth, ZKP is running a $5 million giveaway. This program will award 10 participants $500,000 each in tokens. Entry is open to those who hold a $100 minimum balance and engage with the community. By combining a shrinking supply, functional hardware, and direct rewards, ZKP is establishing itself as an infrastructure-first project for the coming year.
Final Verdict!
The contrast between the Chainlink price struggles and the uncertain XRP price prediction shows a market looking for new directions. While established coins try to hold their ground, the shift toward ZKP is driven by its focus on infrastructure and direct rewards. ZKP’s Stage 2 auction and its $5 million giveaway for 10 winners provide a level of excitement that legacy assets are currently missing.
For anyone tracking the next big crypto, the combination of a 190 million daily supply and physical AI hardware offers a compelling path forward. In a year where technical charts are often stuck, the mathematical certainty of ZKP’s burn mechanism and hardware utility stands as a new standard for growth.
Explore Zero Knowledge Proof:
Website: https://zkp.com/
Buy: https://buy.zkp.com/
X: https://x.com/ZKPofficial
Telegram: https://t.me/ZKPofficial
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