The Ethereum Foundation has elevated post-quantum security to a top strategic priority for the network, forming a dedicated Post Quantum team to transform years of background research into a public engineering initiative.
Thomas Coratger will lead the new team, supported by a developer known as Emile, who played a key role in developing leanVM, according to Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake. The move signals a shift from theoretical work to an active build phase as quantum computing threats become more pressing.
Quantum computers use new processor types that could eventually break current encryption methods much faster than traditional computers. Blockchain developers fear quantum advances could expose wallet keys, requiring networks to upgrade cryptography before the practical threat materializes.
The larger challenge for major networks is not a single quantum breakthrough but managing the time required to safely transition systems, update wallets, and migrate users to new formats without disrupting daily operations.
Drake outlined several near-term initiatives. A bi-weekly developer session focused on post-quantum transactions will begin next month, led by Antonio Sanso, with an emphasis on user-facing defenses, including dedicated cryptographic tools inside the protocol and account abstraction solutions.
The foundation is also backing cryptography research with funding. Drake announced a $1 million Poseidon Prize to strengthen the Poseidon hash function and a separate $1 million post-quantum initiative called the Proximity Prize.
Multi-client post-quantum consensus development networks are already operational, with multiple teams participating in weekly interoperability calls to coordinate efforts, Drake said. These tests help ensure different Ethereum clients can work together on post-quantum solutions.
Ethereum plans expanded community engagement around the issue. The Ethereum Foundation will host a dedicated post-quantum event in October and a post-quantum day in late March ahead of EthCC, along with educational materials including video series and enterprise-focused resources.
See also: Ethereum’s Real Value Proposition Beyond Hype and Narratives
Ecosystem participants have echoed the urgency of the effort. Pantera Capital’s Franklin Bi noted that traditional finance systems could require years to upgrade, while blockchains may coordinate a full software transition faster due to their distributed nature and ability to deploy changes rapidly.
The announcement shows people are worried about quantum computer threats, even though they’re still years away. By starting serious post-quantum work now, the Ethereum Foundation wants to make sure it can upgrade its security smoothly when quantum computers become a real danger.
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