cryptographies are no longer fiction. Technological infrastructures, from banks to blockchain networks, could soon tremble. Bitcoin and Ethereum are no exceptions: their encryption schemes, which protect billions and transactions, will become vulnerable. In this context, Ethereum has decided to get ahead. The foundation announces the formation of a team entirely dedicated to post-quantum security.
In brief
- The Ethereum Foundation launches a team dedicated to post-quantum security led by Thomas Coratger.
- Two million-dollar prizes encourage cryptographic research to strengthen the blockchain.
- Multi-client devnets test future post-quantum transactions and ensure network compatibility.
- Vitalik Buterin wants an autonomous, resilient, and secure Ethereum architecture for the next hundred years.
When crypto enters the post-quantum era
Researcher Justin Drake, a pillar of the foundation, summarized the situation clearly:
We are in 2026, deadlines are accelerating. It is time to fully switch to post-quantum.
This strategic shift is not just a publicity stunt. Two million-dollar prizes — the Poseidon Prize and the Proximity Prize — will reward researchers capable of strengthening the network’s cryptography. Multi-client devnets (Lighthouse, Prysm, Grandine) are already testing large-scale post-quantum protocols.
This initiative illustrates Ethereum’s desire to go beyond mere anticipation: it is now about building a blockchain infrastructure capable of resisting the future before the future threatens it.
Ethereum wants to resist time and machines
- the design of post-quantum transactions;
- the introduction of dedicated cryptographic precompiles;
- and the aggregation of signatures resistant to future attacks.
Drake also issued a rallying cry:
Believe in something. Believe in post-quantum security.
This approach is not isolated. The site pq.ethereum.org now centralizes all the advances, while a complete roadmap ensures a transition without fund losses or service interruptions.
The approach marks a break with the philosophy of successive updates: Ethereum is entering a phase of industrializing its security.
Behind this technical shift, one conviction dominates: to last a hundred years, a blockchain must think today about the threats of the next century.
Vitalik Buterin and the dream of an immortal blockchain
Behind this technical evolution lies a vision: that of Vitalik Buterin. For him, Ethereum must not only survive bugs or crises but generations.
To be able to claim “The Ethereum protocol, as it exists today, is cryptographically secure for one hundred years” is a goal we should achieve as soon as possible, and claim with pride.
His concept of the “walkaway test” has become a benchmark: Ethereum must remain functional even if its developers disappear. This requires rethinking the core architecture — signatures, storage, economic models — to create a truly autonomous and sustainable protocol.
This turning point is not only technological. It redefines the mission of the crypto-sphere: no longer chasing innovations but building foundations that withstand time.
Facts and figures to remember about Ethereum and quantum security
- The Ethereum Post-Quantum (PQ) team is led by Thomas Coratger;
- Two $1 million prizes support cryptographic research;
- Multi-client devnets are already testing post-quantum compatibility;
- The transition aims for zero fund loss and zero network interruption;
- The ETH price currently trades around $2,953.
