The Ethereum Foundation has formed a dedicated Post-Quantum (PQ) team to accelerate the network’s preparations for quantum computing threats, with senior researcher Justin Drake calling it a “top strategic priority” in an X post on Friday.
The new team will be led by Thomas Coratger, a cryptographic engineer at the foundation, with support from Emile, a cryptographer closely associated with the foundation’s leanVM project. Drake described leanVM, a minimalist zero-knowledge proof virtual machine optimized for quantum-resistant hash-based signatures, as the “cornerstone” of Ethereum’s post-quantum strategy.
“After years of quiet R&D, EF management has officially declared PQ security a top strategic priority,” Drake wrote. “It’s now 2026, timelines are accelerating. Time to go full PQ.”
The foundation is putting significant funding behind the effort, announcing a $1 million Poseidon Prize to strengthen a hash function central to Ethereum’s zero-knowledge proof systems, adding to the $1 million Proximity Prize targeting broader post-quantum cryptographic research announced last year.
On the engineering side, multi-client post-quantum consensus development networks are already running, with Lighthouse and Grandine having implemented PQ devnets and Prysm expected to follow. Biweekly developer sessions on post-quantum transactions will begin next month, led by researcher Antonio Sanso. Drake also outlined community initiatives including a three-day workshop in October and a session ahead of EthCC in March.
The announcement comes amid intensifying industry focus on quantum preparedness. On Wednesday, Coinbase formed an independent advisory board to evaluate quantum risks to blockchain networks, with Drake among its members alongside Stanford cryptographer Dan Boneh and University of Texas professor Scott Aaronson.
The move also follows Buterin’s January 12 outline of the “walkaway test”, a framework for assessing whether Ethereum could remain secure if core developers stepped away. Buterin listed quantum resistance as non-negotiable and has previously estimated a 20% probability that quantum computers capable of breaking current cryptography could emerge before 2030.
Last week, Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood removed a 10% bitcoin allocation from his model portfolio, citing quantum computing as an “existential” risk. Unlike Bitcoin, which would likely require a contentious hard fork consensus for quantum-resistant upgrades, Ethereum’s account abstraction roadmap provides a clearer migration pathway.
© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Stay ahead of the market by turning news insights into trading opportunities. With Coinhub Exchange, you can seamlessly buy, sell, and manage your digital assets, all in one secure platform. Take advantage of real-time market insights, deep liquidity, and fast execution for your favorite cryptocurrencies. Don’t just read about it — trade crypto now!
Disclaimer
The content of this article shown by Coinhub News, powered by The Block, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coinhub News and its affiliates are not a licensed financial advisor, legal advisor, broker, or tax advisor, and ... should not be considered as professional advice or a recommendation to engage in any specific investment, legal decision, or financial transaction. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative and volatile. Readers should perform their own independent research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or legal decisions. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Company of its affiliates. Additionally, the Company does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or completeness of any information in this article. By accessing this content, you acknowledge that any reliance on the information contained in this article is solely at your own risk. The Company is not responsible for any financial losses, legal disputes, or other damages that may arise from reliance on this content or from any investment or legal decisions based on the information provided. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves substantial risks, including the risk of losing your entire investment, and you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more
