🦠 Nori Plankton Event FAQ

Access the app here

✅ Quick Start Checklist

  1. Install an EVM-compatible wallet (e.g. MetaMask) and Auro Wallet for Mina.
  2. Get testnet tokens:
  3. Use desktop only (mobile is not supported).
  4. Stick to one browser/device for the whole process.
  5. Lock ETH → after ~35 minutes → mint nETH.

🚀 Getting Started

What do I need before I start?
You'll need MetaMask (or another EVM wallet), Auro Wallet for Mina, and testnet ETH/MINA from the faucets above.
How do I get the free test tokens?
Use the links above.
Do I need to install anything?
Yes, browser wallet extensions for both Ethereum and Mina.
Should I use my main wallet?
We recommend using a fresh wallet for testing, but it's not required.
Is there a minimum ETH required?
Yes, at least 0.0001 ETH.

🌍 The Big Picture

What's the goal of this testnet?
The Plankton event is designed to collect user feedback, especially around:
  • Smart contract performance in browsers
  • Compute-related errors
  • UI/UX issues
  • Compilation times (shown in the bottom-right corner)
  • Your hardware and browser setup
After each successful mint, please use the "Share on X" button to spread the word and show support for Nori!
Is the bridge open-source?
Yes. All code is open-source and available here: https://github.com/orgs/Nori-zk/repositories

🌌 Nori Worlds

For those who enjoy a bit of lore, check out Nori Worlds on World Anvil.

After a successful mint, you'll be invited to pick your faction. There are three factions to choose from. Selecting one will:

  • Log you in with Discord
  • Add you to our Discord with a special faction role
  • Contribute points to your faction's leaderboard

The more ETH you bridge, the more points your faction earns. Let's see which side wins!

🌉 Using the Bridge

How does the bridge work (in simple terms)?
Nori verifies Ethereum's finalised state every epoch (~14 minutes) and settles that state to Mina. When you lock tokens, your deposit is proven as part of this process.
Current testnet supports only one-way bridging (Ethereum → Mina). Bi-directional support is being integrated (mina_bridge via Aligned Layer).
Can I use this on mobile?
No. It's desktop-only.
What if there's a delay or error?
The frontend will show the error and let you retry.
How can I check my transaction status?
In Auro Wallet, open your Mina balance → Tokens tab → click a transaction → Query details → view on minascan.io.
Can I cancel or withdraw my deposit before minting?
No. Once you lock tokens on Ethereum, you cannot withdraw them.
What happens if my transaction gets stuck?
Mina transactions should not get stuck. If your local state resets or you switch browsers, simply make another full deposit. You will always be able to mint the correct amount corresponding to your locked ETH.
Why does minting require heavy computation on my device?
Minting uses o1js, a framework for client-side proving zk circuits. This means your browser must perform the proof computation locally before sending it to the network.
What browsers are supported/recommended?
We recommend Chrome-based browsers. Other browsers that support Auro Wallet may work, but if you run into issues, please report them on Discord.
Can I run multiple deposits in parallel?
You can use multiple deposits if you use different Ethereum/Mina account pairs. Each ETH–Mina pair supports one deposit process at a time.

🔑 Wallet & Device Rules

  • One Ethereum wallet per Mina wallet – Once paired, you must keep using the same Ethereum wallet with that Mina wallet.
  • One Ethereum wallet → many Mina wallets – A single Ethereum wallet can lock tokens to multiple Mina wallets.
  • Stay on the same browser/device – For the smoothest experience, complete the process without switching browsers or devices.
  • Keep the tab open – We recommend not closing the bridge tab until the flow finishes. If you refresh or close it, you should still be able to resume your deposit.

⚡ Device Performance & Local Computation

  • Contract compilation – Compiles locally; takes 1–10 minutes depending on your device. Refreshing restarts it.
  • Storage setup (once per Mina wallet) – Required only on your first ETH lock to a Mina wallet. Creates, proves, and sends a setup transaction. Not needed for later deposits.
  • Minting nETH – Your device must compute a deposit proof, then create, prove, and send the mint transaction. All steps are displayed in the UI.

⏱️ Expected Timelines

Deposit → Minting
On average, the full process takes ~35 minutes.

💰 Deposit Statuses

Waiting for Ethereum finality
For your deposit to be locked in permanently, the Ethereum consensus layer requires two epochs (~14 minutes). During this time, validators attest to and justify the blocks. Once finalised, the block containing your deposit cannot be reverted.
Processing previous deposit
Nori's infrastructure is still proving the last Ethereum state transition with a batch of deposits. Your deposit has not yet been included in that batch.
Processing your deposit
Nori's infrastructure is actively proving the state transition for the batch of deposits that includes yours.
Ready to mint
Nori has finished processing. Your deposit is proven and you can now start minting nETH!

⚙️ Nori Infrastructure Stages

  • Proving light client inside zkVM – Nori proves the detected state transition from its Helios light client inside the SP1 zkVM. This requires the Succinct Prover Network to generate and return a proof. On average, this step takes under 3 minutes.
  • Verifying zkVM proof in o1js – The zkVM proof is verified using an o1js verification circuit through Nori's Proof-Conversion service. This compute-intensive step typically takes under 5.5 minutes.
  • Settling proof on Mina – Nori creates and proves a Mina transaction containing the o1js proof of the Ethereum state transition. This step usually takes under 1.5 minutes.
  • Waiting for Mina confirmation – The Mina transaction has been submitted. Depending on block times, confirmation may take anywhere from ~3 minutes up to ~25 minutes. Recently, ~85% of transactions have confirmed within 9 minutes.

🛠️ Troubleshooting & Support

Where can I report bugs or give feedback?
Join Discord, channel: #plankton-bug-reporting.
Where can I ask questions and get help?
Same Discord channel.

Nori Plankton Event • Bridging Ethereum to Mina with Zero-Knowledge Proofs