The Ethereum Foundation has launched a dedicated team focused on post-quantum security to enhance its defenses against emerging quantum computing threats.
The Ethereum Foundation has prioritized post-quantum security (PQ) by forming a specialized team of developers to address potential threats from quantum computing.
Today signifies a pivotal moment in our long-term quantum strategy. We have established a new Post Quantum (PQ) team, headed by Thomas Coratger. Joining him is Emile, known for his work with leanVM.
— Justin Drake (@drakefjustin) January 23, 2026
Coratger, a cryptographic engineer at the foundation, will lead the team with assistance from Emile, who specializes in leanVM technology. Researcher Justin Drake noted the team's formation marks a significant advance in Ethereum's quantum strategy, which began in 2019 with early discussions around Eth3.0 Quantum Security.
Drake highlighted leanVM’s role as essential for Ethereum's post-quantum cryptography, focusing on zero-knowledge proofs and quantum-resistant signatures. He also expressed urgency, mentioning that advancements in quantum technologies necessitate quick action.
Steps Towards Quantum Readiness
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin emphasized in late 2025 the looming risks to elliptic curve cryptography, projecting vulnerabilities could arise by 2028.
In response, Ethereum aims to implement quantum-resistant technologies swiftly while ensuring continuous service without fund losses. Key initiatives include:
- Consensus client teams like Lighthouse and Grandine have started creating post-quantum networks, with Prysm expected to follow suit.
- The foundation is granting $1 million for improvements to hash function reliability and an additional $1 million for a PQ-focused Proximity Prize.
- Weekly sessions on user security, focused on account abstraction and signature aggregation with leanVM, will commence next month.
- A three-day workshop will be held in Cambridge in October, followed by events ahead of the EthCC conference in Cannes.
Broader Concerns About Quantum Risks
The Bitcoin community is also aware of potential quantum threats, but opinions on the timeline for vulnerability vary significantly. Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream, predicts a risk window of 20-40 years, while others foresee issues arising as soon as 2028-2030.
Critics like Nick Carter argue that Bitcoin developers are underestimating these risks, which may affect market dynamics. The slow consensus process has been cited as a potential barrier to swift adaptation, as changing core protocols can involve lengthy discussions, even for smaller updates like Taproot.
Youssef El Maddarsi, CCO of Naoris Protocol, warned that moving to quantum-resistant frameworks would require deep overhauls of existing mechanisms, potentially leading to significant downtime for a major financial asset.
