red·bridge is a decentralized bridge between Zcash and the rest of crypto, with development sponsored by Zcash Community Grants and Avalanche Foundation, launching over Q3 and Q4 of 2026.
Its design is different from NEAR Intents in a few important ways:
- It is completely open source and decentralized.
- It is not a swapping service. Instead it wraps Zcash-native ZEC from the Orchard pool into ZEC.rbr and guarantees a 1:1 path back to Zcash. ZEC.rbr is a normal ERC20 token.
- It favors continuity over speed. NEAR Intents is fast
and sometimes fragile. red·bridge is slower 
and steady, even in times of volatility.
With these design choices, red·bridge enhances the robustness of Zcash’s cross-chain value exchange proposition. Rather than competing with NEAR, red·bridge actually complements it. For instance:
- It will be possible to swap ZEC for ZEC.rbr using NEAR Intents.
- NEAR Intents solvers can use red·bridge to rebalance their ZEC supply instead of depending on centralized exchanges.
The bridge is also available for ZEC whales and zodlers who want to maintain their exposure to ZEC while using ZEC.rbr in defi, for instance, as collateral.
The Birth of RBR Association
Please weclome RBR Association into its existence by visiting and bookmarking its brand new landing page. The mission of RBR Association, a Swiss verein, headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, is “to support the development, decentralization, security, education, and adoption of red·bridge as open infrastructure for cross-chain value transfer between Zcash and other blockchain ecosystems, and to steward the RBR token.” This forum post is on behalf of RBR Association.
A Call for Node Operators
Are you a Zcash-aligned and/or red·bridge-aligned group? You can receive a substantial amount of RBR tokens in exchange for running a red·bridge guardian/validator node for the network’s first 24 months. More details here.
So far we have approached Zcash Foundation, Shielded Labs, FPF/ZCG, ZODL, ZecHub, Zcash Brasil, Bootstrap, Avalanche Foundation, and Ava Labs. We will update this thread about participation. If your organization would like to participate, please reach out for consideration. Early node operators, together, will help to insure the security of the bridge–a crucial role.
A Call for Donations
We are bootstrapping RBR Association with a call for donations. Please see page 2 for more details. The suggested donation for node operators and other deep-pocketed Zcash entities is 200 ZEC. We also will accept donations in the areas of marketing, legal advice, open source code contributions, and so on from entities, node operators, and individuals with shallower pockets. Donations are purely optional, and we sincerely appreciate your help in launching this community project.
More about red·bridge
If you’re not yet familiar with red·bridge, you can follow our long forum thread for updates, follow @rbrassociation, @reddevinc and @mrkit2u on X, and read this project summary which includes an updated roadmap. We also have just activated a #redbridge text channel on the Zcash Global Discord Server. Come say hi!
Coming Soon
Airdrops, testnets, and more. Stay tuned!
Legal Disclaimers
Securities Disclaimer. RBR tokens are intended to function as utility tokens within the red·bridge network. This document and the RBR tokens described herein have not been registered under the securities laws of Switzerland (including the Swiss Financial Services Act, “FinSA”), the United States (including the Securities Act of 1933), or any other jurisdiction. RBR tokens are not intended to constitute securities, financial instruments, or investment products in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document constitutes an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. If RBR tokens are determined to be securities in any jurisdiction, they may not be offered or sold absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Recipients should consult their own legal counsel regarding the regulatory status of RBR tokens in their jurisdiction.
No Investment Advice. This document does not constitute investment, legal, tax, or financial advice. Prospective participants should consult independent professional advisors before deciding to participate. No representation or warranty is made regarding the future value, utility, or liquidity of RBR tokens.
Forward-Looking Statements. This document contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to projected launch timelines, expected fees, anticipated staking rewards, and cost estimates. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and changes. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. RED.DEV INC and RBR Association undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements.
Risk Factors. Participation in the red·bridge network and holding RBR tokens involve significant risks, including but not limited to: (i) the risk that RBR tokens may have no value or liquidity; (ii) the risk of total loss of tokens due to smart contract and L1 software vulnerabilities, network attacks, or operational failures; (iii) regulatory risks, including the possibility that RBR tokens may be classified as securities in certain jurisdictions; (iv) technology risks, including that the red·bridge network may not launch or function as described; and (v) market risks, including volatility in cryptocurrency prices.
Jurisdictional Restrictions. This document is not directed at, and participation is not available to, any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or participation would be contrary to local law or regulation. It is the responsibility of each prospective participant to determine compliance with applicable laws.
Tax Considerations. The receipt, holding, staking, and disposal of RBR tokens may have tax consequences depending on the recipient’s jurisdiction. Recipients are solely responsible for determining and fulfilling their tax obligations.