The Ethereum Foundation has put post-quantum security at the center of the network’s long-term roadmap and announced the formation of a dedicated Post-Quantum (PQ) team.
According to cryptographer Justin Drake, the new team will be led by Ethereum Foundation cryptographer Thomas Kollager, with support from cryptographer Emil, who is closely associated with Lean VM.
“After years of quiet research and development, EF management has officially declared security for PQ a top strategic priority,” Drake said in a post on X on Saturday. “It’s now 2026 and timelines are accelerating. The time has come to deliver full PQ.”
Researchers explained that leanVM, a specialized minimal zero-knowledge proof virtual machine (zkVM), is a core component of Ethereum’s (ETH) post-quantum strategy.
Related: BTQ’s Bitcoin Quantum Testnet and “Old” BTCrisks explained
EF supports post-quantum push with developer sessions and funding
Drake outlined several short-term steps aimed at preparing the ecosystem. Next month, biweekly developer sessions focused on post-quantum transactions will begin, led by Ethereum researcher Antonio Sanso. This session will focus on user-side protection, including protocol-level encryption tools, account abstraction routes, and long-term work on aggregating transaction signatures using leanVM.
The Ethereum Foundation is also supporting the push with new funding. Drake announced the $1 million Poseidon Prize to power the Poseidon hash function and another $1 million initiative known as the Proximity Prize. Both are aimed at advancing post-quantum cryptography.
Ethereum prepares for the quantum age. sauce: justin drake
On the engineering side, Drake said a multi-client post-quantum consensus development network is already up and running, involving multiple teams and coordinating through weekly interoperability meetings.
Additionally, the Foundation plans to host a dedicated post-quantum event in October, followed by a post-quantum day in late March prior to EthCC. We are also promoting awareness-raising activities such as video content and materials for companies.
Related: Quantum computers could bring lost Bitcoin back to life
Coinbase Establishes Board of Directors to Assess Quantum Risk
The announcement comes amid heightened sensitivity to quantum risks in the crypto market. On Wednesday, Coinbase revealed that it has established an independent advisory board to assess how advances in quantum computing could impact the cryptography that secures major blockchain networks, including Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum.
The board brings together academic and industry experts in quantum computing, cryptography, and blockchain security to publish public research and guidance for developers, organizations, and users. The first opinion is expected to be published in early 2027.
magazine: Quantum Bitcoin attacks are a waste of time: Kevin O’Leary
