The Ethereum Foundation announced post-quantum security as a strategic priority for the next ten years, forming a dedicated team to launch a comprehensive set of initiatives for the gradual implementation of quantum-resistant solutions in the project’s blockchain infrastructure.
Justin Drake, Crypto Researcher and Analyst at the Ethereum Foundation, stated that a specialized Post-Quantum (PQ) team was created within the foundation, responsible for the blockchain’s security in the post-quantum era.
Thomas Coratger, Cryptographic Engineer at the Ethereum Foundation, was appointed head of the PQ team. Emile, one of the key developers of leanVM, also joined the team.
leanVM is an Ethereum Virtual Machine introduced by consensus-level developers in September 2025, designed to support zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) and protect the network against potential attacks using quantum computers.
Drake also highlighted several planned initiatives of the PQ team, including:
- A dedicated post-quantum transactions track within Core Devs, which will involve regular technical discussions on user security, built-in protocol features, an abstracted account model, and long-term aggregation of transaction signatures based on leanVM.
- Launch of cryptographic grants totaling $2 million, including the $1 million Poseidon Prize and the $1 million Proximity Prize, aimed at developing hash-based post-quantum cryptography.
- Deployment of testnets with post-quantum cryptography. The initiative includes launching consensus-level devnets involving multiple teams and client implementations to test compatibility and resilience in real-world conditions.
- Organization of specialized educational events. The Ethereum Foundation will hold a three-day international workshop in October, as well as a dedicated post-quantum security event scheduled for March 29 in Cannes, ahead of the EthCC conference.
A complete roadmap for Ethereum’s transition to quantum-resistant solutions will be published soon. It outlines the phased implementation of post-quantum cryptography without stopping the mainnet or risking funds. Educational materials are also being prepared for developers, businesses, and government entities.
Efforts to make Ethereum resilient to potential quantum computing threats have been ongoing since 2019. In 2024, Vitalik Buterin already proposed ways to protect Ethereum in this context. However, the current initiative officially establishes the transition to quantum-resistant technological solutions as a long-term strategic priority within the protocol’s technical transformation and as a key element of the Lean Ethereum concept.
