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24 Jan 2026, 14:01
Ethereum Launches $2M Quantum Defense Team as Threat Timeline Accelerates
The Ethereum Foundation has officially elevated quantum resistance to a top strategic priority with the formation of a dedicated Post Quantum team backed by $2 million in funding. The new initiative comes as blockchain networks face mounting pressure to defend against quantum computing threats that industry experts increasingly warn could materialize within years rather than decades. Ethereum researcher Justin Drake announced the team formation on Friday, revealing that Thomas Coratger will lead the effort alongside Emile, a core contributor to leanVM. “ After years of quiet R&D, EF management has officially declared PQ security a top strategic priority, ” Drake said, adding that the foundation has been developing its quantum strategy since a 2019 presentation at StarkWare Sessions. Today marks an inflection in the Ethereum Foundation's long-term quantum strategy. We've formed a new Post Quantum (PQ) team, led by the brilliant Thomas Coratger ( @tcoratger ). Joining him is Emile, one of the world-class talents behind leanVM. leanVM is the cryptographic… — Justin Drake (@drakefjustin) January 23, 2026 Foundation Commits Resources Across Multiple Fronts The Ethereum Foundation is launching comprehensive defensive measures spanning research, development, and infrastructure testing. Antonio Sanso will kick off bi-weekly All Core Devs Post Quantum breakout calls next month, focusing on user-facing security, including dedicated precompiles, account abstraction, and transaction signature aggregation with leanVM. The foundation announced two $1 million prize competitions to strengthen cryptographic foundations. The newly launched Poseidon Prize targets the hardening of the Poseidon hash function, while the existing Proximity Prize continues to drive hash-based cryptography research. “ We are betting big on hash-based cryptography to enjoy the strongest and leanest cryptographic foundations, ” Drake stated. Multi-client post-quantum consensus development networks are already operational, with pioneer teams including Zeam, Ream Labs, PierTwo, Gean client, and Ethlambda working alongside established consensus clients Lighthouse, Grandine, and Prysm. Weekly post-quantum interop calls, coordinated by Will Corcoran, are managing collaborative technical development across these diverse implementation teams. The foundation will host a three-day expert workshop in October, bringing together top specialists from around the world, building on last year’s post-quantum workshop in Cambridge. An additional dedicated post-quantum day is scheduled for March 29 in Cannes, ahead of EthCC, to create multiple forums for advancing research and coordination across the global Ethereum development community. Industry Voices Split on Timeline Urgency The quantum threat has divided blockchain leaders on both timeline predictions and strategic priorities. Independent Ethereum educator sassal.eth called quantum computing “ a very real threat for blockchains ” that is “ coming sooner than most people think, ” praising the foundation’s defensive preparations. Pantera Capital General Partner Franklin Bi predicted that traditional financial institutions will struggle with the transition to post-quantum cryptography. “ People are over-estimating how quickly Wall Street will adapt to post-quantum cryptography, ” Bi said, adding that blockchain networks possess unique capabilities for system-wide upgrades at a global scale. The post-quantum race begins. My prediction: People are over-estimating how quickly Wall Street will adapt to post-quantum cryptography. Like any systemic software upgrade, it'll be slow & chaotic with single points of failure for years. Traditional systems are only as strong… https://t.co/6mEdFKcXrm — Franklin Bi (@FranklinBi) January 23, 2026 He argued that successful quantum resistance could transform select blockchains into “ post-quantum safe havens for data and assets ,” particularly as traditional systems face prolonged periods of vulnerability due to single points of failure. Bitcoin community assessments remain sharply contested. Vitalik Buterin previously shared Metaculus data showing a median 2040 timeline for quantum computers breaking modern cryptography, with roughly a 20% probability before the end of 2030. Metaculus's median date for when quantum computers will break modern cryptography is 2040: https://t.co/Li8ni8A9Ox Seemingly about a 20% chance it will be before end of 2030. — vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) August 27, 2025 Blockstream CEO Adam Back has dismissed near-term concerns , claiming practical threats remain decades away and accusing critics of creating unnecessary market alarm. Project ZKM contributor Stephen Duan acknowledged transition challenges while calling quantum resistance “ inevitable ,” noting that his team will soon upgrade multiset hashing to a lattice-based construction. ZKsync inventor Alex Gluk also said the network’s Airbender prover is already “ 100% PQ-proof, ” highlighting Ethereum’s unmatched ability to adapt to emerging threats while maintaining its position as the global financial settlement layer. Foundation Plans Comprehensive Roadmap Release The Ethereum Foundation will publish detailed strategic guidance on pq.ethereum.org covering full transition planning to achieve zero loss of funds and zero downtime over the coming years. Drake highlighted recent artificial intelligence breakthroughs in formal proof generation, noting that specialized mathematics AI recently completed one of the hardest lemmas in hash-based SNARK foundations in a single eight-hour run costing $200. The foundation is developing educational materials, including a six-part video series with ZKPodcast and enterprise-focused resources through EF Enterprise Acceleration. Quantum Threatens $600B of Bitcoin @nic_carter joins me for an in-person @PodcastDelphi to cover his 6 months of research on Quantum's effect on $BTC Nic's first and only podcast on Quantum Listen directly here, or on any of the links below pic.twitter.com/CSnv7xekqn — Tommy (@Shaughnessy119) January 9, 2026 Ethereum now has representation on the post-quantum advisory board , Coinbase announced this week, bringing together leading cryptography researchers to assess long-term blockchain security risks as quantum computing capabilities advance across government and private-sector development programs. The post Ethereum Launches $2M Quantum Defense Team as Threat Timeline Accelerates appeared first on Cryptonews .
24 Jan 2026, 13:40
Nifty Gateway Shutdown: The Stunning Closure of a Major NFT Marketplace on February 23
BitcoinWorld Nifty Gateway Shutdown: The Stunning Closure of a Major NFT Marketplace on February 23 NEW YORK, February 2025 – The digital art world received significant news today as Nifty Gateway, the prominent NFT marketplace owned by cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, announced its definitive shutdown scheduled for February 23, 2025. This development marks a pivotal moment in the evolving NFT landscape, signaling strategic shifts within the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. Consequently, the platform now operates exclusively in withdrawal-only mode, enabling users to secure their digital assets before the final closure. Understanding the Nifty Gateway Shutdown Announcement Nifty Gateway communicated its decision through official channels on Monday morning. The platform will permanently cease all trading, minting, and marketplace operations at 11:59 PM UTC on February 23. However, the withdrawal functionality remains active until that deadline. This announcement follows months of industry speculation about the platform’s future amid changing market conditions. Notably, the NFT sector has experienced substantial volatility since its 2021 peak, with trading volumes declining across most major platforms throughout 2024. Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, acquired Nifty Gateway in 2019. The platform quickly gained prominence through high-profile NFT drops featuring artists like Beeple, Pak, and Trevor Jones. During its operational period, Nifty Gateway facilitated over $1.2 billion in NFT transactions, according to blockchain analytics firm DappRadar. The shutdown represents a strategic realignment for Gemini as the company focuses resources on core exchange services and regulatory compliance initiatives. Immediate Impact on Digital Art Collectors Digital art collectors holding assets on Nifty Gateway must take immediate action. The platform has established clear procedures for asset migration. Users should complete all withdrawals before the February 23 deadline to avoid potential complications. Fortunately, the process involves connecting a compatible cryptocurrency wallet and transferring NFTs to self-custody solutions. Several alternative marketplaces have already announced support for former Nifty Gateway users, including OpenSea, Rarible, and Foundation. The following table outlines key dates and actions for affected users: Date Action Required Status February 10-23, 2025 Withdraw all NFTs and funds Active February 23, 2025 Platform shutdown complete Scheduled Post-February 23 No access to marketplace Inactive Industry experts recommend that collectors verify wallet compatibility before initiating transfers. Additionally, users should document their transaction history for tax and ownership verification purposes. The blockchain’s immutable nature ensures that NFT ownership records remain secure regardless of marketplace status, but accessibility depends on proper wallet management. Historical Context of NFT Market Evolution The NFT market has undergone remarkable transformation since its emergence. Initially, platforms like Nifty Gateway democratized digital art collection through user-friendly interfaces and credit card integration. However, market dynamics shifted significantly throughout 2023 and 2024. Trading volumes declined approximately 65% from their 2022 peak, according to CryptoSlam data. This contraction prompted consolidation within the industry, with several smaller platforms either closing or merging with larger entities. Several factors contributed to this market correction: Regulatory developments: Increased scrutiny from global financial authorities Technological maturation: Migration toward more efficient blockchain networks Collector behavior changes: Shift toward utility-focused NFTs rather than pure collectibles Economic conditions: Broader cryptocurrency market volatility affecting discretionary spending Nifty Gateway’s closure reflects these broader industry trends rather than isolated operational challenges. The platform maintained a loyal user base throughout its operational period but faced increasing competition from both established marketplaces and emerging decentralized alternatives. Expert Analysis: What This Means for Digital Art Dr. Elena Rodriguez, blockchain researcher at Stanford University, provides valuable perspective on this development. “Platform closures represent natural market evolution,” she explains. “The NFT ecosystem is maturing beyond speculative trading toward sustainable models emphasizing artist support and collector value.” Rodriguez notes that while marketplace consolidation may continue, the fundamental technology supporting digital ownership remains robust. Her research indicates that artist royalties and secondary market mechanisms have become increasingly important considerations for collectors. Market data supports this analysis. According to NonFungible.com’s 2024 report, the average holding period for NFTs increased from 45 days in 2022 to 180 days in 2024. This suggests a shift toward longer-term collecting rather than rapid trading. Additionally, platforms emphasizing artist relationships and community building have demonstrated greater resilience during market downturns. The closure of Nifty Gateway may accelerate this trend toward more specialized, community-focused marketplaces. Technical Considerations for Asset Migration Users migrating assets from Nifty Gateway must understand several technical considerations. First, Ethereum network gas fees fluctuate based on congestion, potentially affecting withdrawal costs. Second, compatibility between wallet types and alternative marketplaces requires verification. Third, metadata preservation ensures that digital art maintains its associated information across platforms. Most NFTs utilize standardized formats like ERC-721, facilitating relatively straightforward transfers between compatible systems. The migration process involves these essential steps: Connect a Web3 wallet (MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, etc.) to Nifty Gateway Navigate to the withdrawal section of the user dashboard Select individual NFTs or use bulk selection tools Confirm blockchain transactions and pay associated gas fees Verify successful transfers on blockchain explorers like Etherscan Connect the same wallet to alternative marketplaces for continued trading Technical support remains available through Nifty Gateway’s help center until the shutdown date. The platform has committed to maintaining comprehensive documentation throughout the transition period. Users experiencing difficulties should consult these resources promptly, as support availability will cease after February 23. Broader Implications for Cryptocurrency Platforms The Nifty Gateway shutdown carries implications beyond the NFT sector. Gemini’s decision reflects strategic prioritization within the competitive cryptocurrency exchange landscape. Regulatory compliance, security infrastructure, and core trading services demand increasing resources as the industry matures. This move follows similar consolidations across cryptocurrency verticals throughout 2024, including lending platform adjustments and derivatives market restructuring. Market analysts observe that successful cryptocurrency businesses increasingly focus on sustainable revenue models rather than speculative ventures. The NFT marketplace sector demonstrated this pattern clearly, with platforms emphasizing artist partnerships and collector communities outperforming those focused primarily on trading volume. This evolution suggests that future NFT platforms may adopt hybrid models combining marketplace functionality with social features and educational resources. Furthermore, the integration of traditional financial elements continues to shape platform development. Several marketplaces now offer installment payment options, insurance products for digital assets, and institutional-grade custody solutions. These developments indicate maturation toward mainstream adoption, albeit with occasional setbacks like platform closures. The cryptocurrency industry’s resilience stems from its decentralized foundation, allowing innovation to continue despite individual platform challenges. Conclusion The Nifty Gateway shutdown represents a significant moment in digital art history, marking the closure of a pioneering NFT marketplace that helped popularize blockchain-based collectibles. While the platform’s February 23 closure date concludes one chapter, the broader NFT ecosystem continues evolving toward more sustainable models. Collectors must act promptly to secure their assets through proper withdrawal procedures before the deadline. Ultimately, this development reflects natural market consolidation rather than fundamental weakness in digital ownership concepts. The blockchain infrastructure supporting NFTs remains robust, ensuring that properly migrated assets retain their value and accessibility across alternative platforms. FAQs Q1: What happens to my NFTs if I don’t withdraw them before February 23? Your NFTs remain securely stored on the blockchain, but you will lose access through the Nifty Gateway interface. You must use your private keys and a compatible wallet to access them directly after the shutdown. Q2: Can I still trade my NFTs after withdrawing them from Nifty Gateway? Yes, you can trade withdrawn NFTs on any compatible marketplace like OpenSea, Rarible, or Foundation by connecting the same wallet containing your assets. Q3: Will Nifty Gateway provide any compensation or refunds to users? The platform has not announced compensation programs. Users retain full ownership of their digital assets and can withdraw them without fees beyond standard blockchain gas costs. Q4: How does this affect artists who previously sold work on Nifty Gateway? Artists maintain ownership rights and royalties as encoded in their smart contracts. They should direct collectors to alternative marketplaces for future secondary sales. Q5: What alternatives exist for NFT collectors after Nifty Gateway closes? Multiple established platforms continue operating, including OpenSea, Rarible, Foundation, SuperRare, and emerging decentralized alternatives like Blur and LooksRare. This post Nifty Gateway Shutdown: The Stunning Closure of a Major NFT Marketplace on February 23 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
24 Jan 2026, 13:00
Chainlink (LINK) Stuck In A Box: What The Current Price Channel Means For Traders
Chainlink’s native token, LINK, continues to trade within a clearly defined price channel, reflecting a period of consolidation as the broader crypto market is yet to establish a clear market direction. Meanwhile, renowned analyst Ali Martinez provides some key insights on the LINK market, highlighting the potential price targets for the next breakout. Related Reading: Litecoin Structure Intact, But $63 Remains The Line Bulls Must Defend Chainlink In Compression Phase Between $12-$15 — What Next? In a recent X post, Martinez shares an analysis of the LINK 12-hour chart, which shows the altcoin has been range-bound between key support at $11.89 and resistance near $14.64, a structure that has remained intact over multiple trading sessions stretching back to 2025. This price behavior implies that neither bulls nor bears have been able to assert sustained control as each attempt to push higher has been capped near the upper boundary of the channel, while pullbacks have consistently found buyers around the $11.89 support zone. From a technical standpoint, the channel highlights a phase of consolidation following earlier volatility. Therefore, this structure may be laying the groundwork for a more decisive move once the price escapes the current boundaries. The $14.64 resistance level remains the key hurdle for bullish continuation. A confirmed breakout above this zone, ideally supported by rising volume, could reignite upside momentum with potential targets set at $17.00. On the downside, a loss of the $11.89 support could change the technical outlook, exposing LINK to deeper retracements, with potential around $10.00. For now, however, this support has held firm, reinforcing the validity of the channel and keeping bearish momentum in check. Related Reading: Ripple’s Next Steps: Where XRP Stops Being Trade And Starts Being Infrastrucutre LINK Market Overview At press time, LINK trades at $12.21, reflecting a major loss of 10.95% in the last seven days amid a general market downturn. However, the monthly loss of just 1.09% indicates that downside momentum remains relatively contained, suggesting that recent selling pressure may be corrective rather than structural and that many new market entrants could soon return to profit if prices stabilize. In other news, Chainlink has completed the acquisition of Atlas, the order flow auction protocol developed by FastLane. According to the blockchain team, this move strengthens Chainlink’s value capture stack by expanding the reach of Chainlink SVR into the new DeFi ecosystem, thereby helping improve MEV recapture. With a market cap of $8.65 billion, Chainlink is ranked as the 13th largest digital asset in the world. Featured image from Trackit, chart from Tradingview.com
24 Jan 2026, 12:40
R3 Solana Yields: A Pioneering Leap for Institutional Crypto Adoption in 2025
BitcoinWorld R3 Solana Yields: A Pioneering Leap for Institutional Crypto Adoption in 2025 In a landmark move for enterprise blockchain adoption, R3 has announced plans to offer institutional-grade yields directly on the Solana network. This strategic initiative, reported by CoinDesk in early 2025, targets high-value assets like private credit and trade finance. Consequently, it signals a significant maturation of on-chain financial infrastructure for major investors. R3 Solana Yields: Bridging Enterprise and High-Performance Blockchain Enterprise blockchain consortium R3 will leverage Solana’s architecture to generate yields for institutional clients. This development marks a pivotal convergence of traditional finance’s demand for reliable returns with blockchain’s efficiency. R3’s co-founder, Todd McDonald, explicitly endorsed Solana’s technical merits for this role. He cited its high throughput, transaction-focused design, and scalable architecture as critical advantages. Furthermore, this partnership represents a calculated shift. R3, known for its Corda platform tailored for financial institutions, is now integrating with a public, high-speed blockchain. This integration suggests a growing institutional comfort with public ledger technology for specific, high-value use cases. The targeted assets—private credit and trade finance—are traditionally opaque and illiquid markets. Therefore, bringing them on-chain promises enhanced transparency and settlement speed. The Institutional Drive for On-Chain Yield The global search for yield has intensified in the current macroeconomic climate. Institutional portfolios increasingly require diversified, non-correlated assets. On-chain yield products, particularly those backed by real-world assets (RWA), have emerged as a compelling solution. R3’s initiative directly taps into this trend by focusing on private credit and trade finance. These sectors represent multi-trillion dollar markets traditionally inaccessible to most investors. Why Solana? A Technical and Strategic Rationale R3’s selection of Solana is not arbitrary. It follows a period of extensive network stability and developer growth. McDonald’s statement underscores a technical evaluation. Solana’s architecture enables thousands of transactions per second at low cost. This capability is essential for institutional-scale operations involving complex financial instruments. Moreover, its single global state simplifies the auditing and compliance processes crucial for regulated entities. The table below contrasts key attributes relevant to institutional deployment: Attribute Relevance for Institutional Yields High Throughput Enables simultaneous processing of numerous, complex financial transactions. Low Transaction Cost Makes micro-transactions and frequent settlements economically viable. Fast Finality Provides near-instant settlement certainty, reducing counterparty risk. Robust Developer Ecosystem Ensures ongoing innovation and maintenance of financial primitives. Additionally, Solana’s focus on a single, streamlined chain reduces operational complexity compared to multi-chain or layer-2 solutions. This simplicity is a significant factor for risk-averse institutional technology teams. Impact and Future Trajectory for Blockchain Finance This announcement has immediate and long-term implications for the digital asset landscape. Primarily, it validates public blockchains as viable venues for structured, institutional-grade financial products. It also accelerates the convergence of decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanics with traditional finance (TradFi) compliance and security standards. The move could catalyze several key developments: Increased Capital Inflow: Major funds may allocate more to on-chain vehicles, seeing reputable firms like R3 building infrastructure. Regulatory Scrutiny and Clarity: As large-scale capital moves on-chain, regulatory frameworks will likely evolve more rapidly. Product Innovation: Other enterprise blockchain providers may pursue similar integrations, fostering competition. Market Legitimization: It strengthens the case for blockchain’s utility beyond speculation into core financial services. Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend on execution. Key factors include the actual yield generated, the robustness of legal structures, and the seamless integration with existing institutional workflows. However, the strategic intent is clear: to build a seamless bridge for traditional capital to access the efficiency of blockchain networks. Conclusion The launch of R3 Solana yields represents a definitive step toward institutional maturity for blockchain technology. By targeting high-value private credit and trade finance markets, R3 is addressing a clear need for efficient, transparent yield generation. This partnership leverages Solana’s technical strengths to meet the rigorous demands of institutional investors. As a result, it sets a new benchmark for how enterprise and public blockchain ecosystems can collaborate to reshape global finance. FAQs Q1: What exactly is R3 launching on Solana? R3 is creating a platform to generate yields for institutional investors using the Solana blockchain. The platform will specifically focus on tokenizing and managing yield-bearing assets like private credit loans and trade finance agreements. Q2: Why did R3 choose Solana over other blockchains? R3 leadership cited Solana’s high transaction throughput, low costs, and transaction-focused architecture as key reasons. These features are essential for handling the volume and complexity of institutional financial products efficiently and at scale. Q3: What are the target assets for these yields? The primary targets are institutional-grade private credit and trade finance. These are lending and financing activities typically conducted between large corporations and financial institutions, representing massive but traditionally illiquid markets. Q4: How does this differ from regular DeFi yield farming? This initiative is institutionally focused, meaning it involves regulated entities, compliance with financial laws, and deals with large-ticket, real-world assets. It prioritizes security, legal structure, and integration with traditional finance systems over the permissionless, retail-focused nature of much DeFi yield farming. Q5: What does this mean for the future of institutional crypto adoption? This is a significant validation signal. It demonstrates that major enterprise blockchain firms see public networks like Solana as mature enough for critical financial infrastructure. It will likely encourage other traditional financial institutions to explore similar on-chain offerings for their clients. This post R3 Solana Yields: A Pioneering Leap for Institutional Crypto Adoption in 2025 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
24 Jan 2026, 12:31
Ripple Is Bringing AI to the XRP Ledger. Here’s the Latest
Crypto researcher SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) recently highlighted a major development on the XRP Ledger. He revealed that Ripple has successfully combined blockchain technology with artificial intelligence to optimize cross-border payments. The XRPL, a decentralized blockchain, enables real-time payment settlement, and Ripple’s platform now leverages AI to enhance transaction efficiency. RIPPLE HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMBINED BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON THE XRP LEDGER “The XRP Ledger, a decentralised blockchain that enables real-time cross-border payment settlement, is used by Ripple's platform. Al is also used to optimise transaction… https://t.co/11yty1yccO pic.twitter.com/pFKJHzzUBF — SMQKE (@SMQKEDQG) January 23, 2026 AI-Agentic Infrastructure Expands on the XRP Ledger SMQKE’s post was a response to ChartNerd (@ChartNerdTA), a crypto analyst, who reported that AI-Agentic infrastructure is being deployed to support autonomous treasury operations. According to the analyst, Evernorth is integrating t54’s agentic finance infrastructure and trust layer to bring verification, risk assessment, and compliance to AI-powered treasury management on the XRPL. This integration is not limited to a single product, as both t54 and XRPL teams will collaborate to develop new products for the XRP ecosystem. The collaboration aims to expand the XRPL’s capabilities in AI-driven financial operations, enhancing efficiency , security, and operational intelligence across the network. AI-Powered Transaction Optimization The integration of AI on the XRP Ledger enables the optimization of transaction flows and routing choices. Financial institutions using Ripple’s platform can make dynamic decisions on the most effective payment routes. The system evaluates enormous volumes of payment data in real time, ensuring that transactions follow the most efficient paths. This approach improves the speed and reliability of cross-border payments. By analyzing large datasets, AI adjusts routing dynamically to current network conditions and transaction volumes. The result is faster settlements and improved liquidity management for institutions. Impact on Cross-Border Payments Traditional international payments often involve delays, high fees, and reliance on complex intermediary networks. Ripple’s combination of blockchain and AI addresses these issues by providing a more streamlined, cost-efficient alternative. Real-time settlement is now possible while maintaining transparency and reliability, which supports the adoption of this approach by banks and other financial institutions . We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 The XRP Ledger’s scalability ensures that the platform can handle high transaction volumes without reducing performance. AI determines optimal paths for payments, reducing latency and ensuring funds reach their destination promptly. Ripple’s Position in Financial Technology The integration of AI with the XRP Ledger marks a significant advancement in payment technology. Real-time processing allows institutions to respond quickly to market changes, improving overall reliability in international payments. Ripple now provides a platform capable of handling complex, high-volume transactions quickly and accurately. Institutions using the system benefit from optimized routing, faster settlements, and reduced operational costs. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Ripple Is Bringing AI to the XRP Ledger. Here’s the Latest appeared first on Times Tabloid .
24 Jan 2026, 11:57
Ethereum Foundation forms expert group to address quantum computing threats
After years of quiet research, the Ethereum Foundation (EF) has elevated post-quantum cryptography to a top strategic priority. The move to active engineering comes as the blockchain industry confronts accelerating timelines for quantum computing threats. The non-profit organization behind the Ethereum blockchain has announced the formation of a dedicated Post Quantum (PQ) team, led by Thomas Coratger, with support from Emile, a cryptographer behind the leanVM project that forms the cryptographic cornerstone of Ethereum’s quantum defense strategy. This is coming just a few days after Coinbase established an independent advisory board on quantum computing, which includes Ethereum researcher Justin Drake, who made the announcement of the latest EF Post Quantum team. Drake wrote on X , “Today marks an inflection in the Ethereum Foundation’s long-term quantum strategy.” He stated, “Our journey began in 2019, with the “Eth3.0 Quantum Security” presentation at StarkWare Sessions. Since 2024, PQ has been central to the @leanEthereum vision. The pace of PQ engineering breakthroughs since then has been nothing short of phenomenal,” adding that after years of preparatory work, “timelines are accelerating. Time to go full PQ.” What threats await the crypto space with quantum computing? There is growing concern that quantum computers could eventually crack the elliptic curve cryptography, which most blockchain networks operate on, and this could potentially expose wallet keys and compromise billions of pounds in digital assets. While expert estimates vary widely on when such threats might materialize, ranging from as soon as 2028 to several decades away, the consensus is building that preparation cannot wait. Industry experts estimate a five to fifteen-year timeline before quantum computers could potentially break current cryptographic standards, according to research from Chainalysis . The challenge is compounded by “harvest now, decrypt later” scenarios, where adversaries could collect and store cryptographic data today to crack it once quantum computing advances enough to do that. How is the Ethereum Foundation preparing for the post-quantum phase? The EF is placing substantial resources behind its quantum resistance efforts. Drake wrote, “Today we are announcing a $1M Poseidon Prize to harden the Poseidon hash function. We are betting big on hash-based cryptography to enjoy the strongest and leanest cryptographic foundations.” He also mentioned that the prize complements another $1 million initiative called the Proximity Prize, calling on the community to check it out as well. Previously, the foundation awarded $12 million to STARKware for work on Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge (zk-STARKS), which are central to the post-quantum strategy alongside hash-based cryptography. Multi-client post-quantum consensus devnets are already operational, with participation from established teams. The coordination for that section is being managed by Will Corcoran through the weekly PQ interop calls. Antonio Sanso, a researcher at Ethereum, will lead bi-weekly All Core Devs breakout calls beginning next month to coordinate development of post-quantum transaction signatures and account abstraction features. The foundation is also leveraging artificial intelligence for cryptographic verification, with Drake noting that Alexander Hicks, who works with the EF, ran a specialized maths AI for eight hours at a $200 cost. Drake stated that the AI “one-shotted a formal proof one of the hardest lemmas in the foundations of hash-based snarks.” According to Drake, the feat is mind-blowing, and applied cryptography will never be the same as a result. A comprehensive roadmap targeting “zero loss of funds and zero downtime” during the transition will be published on pq.ethereum.org, though specific timelines remain under wraps. The foundation plans workshops with a PQ day scheduled to be held in Cannes on March 29, 2026. Drake also mentioned that the EF will be hosting a 3-day PQ event in October, and it will be attended by top experts. There is also a six-part educational video series on Ethereum’s PQ strategy that will be released by the ZKPodcast, and materials for enterprises and nation-states are being prepared by the foundation’s Enterprise Acceleration team. Get seen where it counts. Advertise in Cryptopolitan Research and reach crypto’s sharpest investors and builders.
