Quantum-Proof Blockchains: Which Projects Are Actually Preparing for the Quantum Era?

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Quantum computing is poised to disrupt many industries, and crypto is no exception. Arthur Herman, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and Director of the Quantum Alliance Initiative, emphasized this in a recent op-ed in the Korea Herald. He warned that the same technology promising immense computational power could also compromise the cryptographic systems securing blockchain networks.

Most blockchains today rely on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), which is considered safe only because breaking it would take classical computers an impractical amount of time. However, with the advent of quantum computers and possible execution of algorithms like Shor’s—which can factor large numbers exponentially faster—ECC-based public-key cryptography becomes vulnerable. This presents a major risk to blockchain networks, as cryptographic security is central to mining and transaction validation.

To get ahead of this threat, developers are working on quantum-resistant solutions, often called post-quantum cryptography (PQC). These techniques are designed to withstand attacks from both classical and quantum computers. They involve advanced mathematical approaches like lattice-based, hash-based, code-based, and multivariate cryptography. Some blockchain projects have already begun integrating these schemes.

PQC includes cryptographic algorithms that can resist quantum decryption. Among the leading approaches are CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, and other National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-backed standards.

This article explores which blockchain projects are preparing for the quantum era, what methods they’re adopting, and whether these efforts will be enough.

1. Bitcoin and Taproot Upgrades

Bitcoin is not quantum-resistant in its current form. The cryptographic signatures it uses—primarily (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA)—are vulnerable to quantum attacks. However, the Bitcoin developer community is exploring mitigation strategies, such as adopting Schnorr signatures and exploring PQC options.

Schnorr signatures, developed in the 1980s, offer a more efficient and secure alternative to ECDSA. Their advantages include smaller signature sizes, faster transaction verification, and improved multisignature schemes through protocols like MuSig. Bitcoin introduced Schnorr signatures with the 2021 Taproot upgrade, which also improved transaction privacy and efficiency. While this upgrade doesn’t make Bitcoin quantum-proof, it’s a foundational step toward future resilience.

2. Ethereum’s Quantum-Resistant Aspirations

Ethereum faces similar risks and has expressed interest in PQC. One notable direction is the use of STARKs (Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge), which rely on hash-based cryptography rather than ECC. While Ethereum’s base layer hasn’t adopted STARKs, several Layer 2 solutions—like ZK Rollups—use them.

Vitalik Buterin has suggested that Ethereum’s L1 could integrate more quantum-resistant features over time. While not yet a standard, Ethereum’s Layer 2 engagement with STARKs demonstrates a long-term strategy toward scalable and secure infrastructure.

3. QANplatform

QANplatform is among the first blockchains purpose-built for quantum resistance. It uses lattice-based cryptography, specifically CRYSTALS-Dilithium—a NIST-recognized algorithm designed to counter Shor’s algorithm. This method balances strong security with computational efficiency.

QANplatform combines public and private blockchain elements, allowing enterprises to maintain data privacy while adopting quantum-safe protocols. By integrating CRYSTALS-Dilithium, QANplatform positions itself as a future-proof solution for businesses concerned about quantum risks.

4. IOTA and Winternitz Signatures

IOTA, built for IoT environments, has taken proactive steps toward quantum safety by adopting Winternitz One-Time Signatures (WOTS). These are inherently quantum-resistant as they do not rely on ECC.

WOTS assigns a new key pair for every transaction, making it harder for quantum attackers to gather enough data for decryption. This is particularly useful in IoT applications, where security breaches can have real-world consequences—such as tampered devices or compromised supply chains.

5. Algorand and FALCON Integration

Algorand, known for its Pure Proof-of-Stake consensus, is also exploring PQC. It currently uses Ed25519 signatures, which are secure against classical attacks but not quantum ones. To address this, Algorand has integrated FALCON (stands for: Fast-Fourier Lattice-based Compact Signatures over NTRU)—another NIST-approved lattice-based algorithm.

In 2022, Algorand introduced State Proofs using FALCON to verify ledger states every 256 rounds. These proofs help preserve the integrity of the blockchain’s history, even against quantum threats. While Ed25519 is still used for daily operations, FALCON integration shows Algorand’s move toward hybrid quantum protection. FALCON’s inclusion offers quantum-resistant verification for light clients and cross-chain use cases, reinforcing long-term network security.

6. Cardano’s Research-Driven Approach

Cardano, known for its academic rigor, is actively researching PQC as part of its long-term roadmap. Though it still uses Ed25519 (ECC-based) for current transactions, its parent company, Input Output Global (IOG), is exploring lattice-based alternatives.

In a recent update, founder Charles Hoskinson outlined that Cardano’s approach includes a “Quantum-Secure Model,” an audit of all existing cryptographic methods, and the use of advanced tools like Mithril certificates to secure historical transaction integrity. Though not yet implemented, Cardano’s structured approach ensures a smooth transition once quantum resistance becomes necessary.

Are These Efforts Enough?

Quantum computing is still in its early stages, but its potential to break classical encryption is real—and getting closer to practical application every year. For blockchain, this isn’t just a future headache; it’s a structural threat. Once sufficiently powerful quantum machines become available, they could retroactively compromise transaction data, wallets, and smart contracts that were never designed with quantum security in mind.

The good news is that many developers are aware of this and working on proactive solutions. But there’s still a gap between research and implementation. Most post-quantum measures today are either confined to experimental layers or tucked into auxiliary features like State Proofs or Layer 2s. Few base layer protocols have made a full shift.

The coming years will test which ecosystems can evolve fast enough to integrate quantum-resistant primitives without sacrificing performance or decentralization. The challenge lies not only in upgrading cryptography but in coordinating large, decentralized communities to act before the threat is urgent.

What’s at stake is more than just digital security. Trust in blockchain systems depends on their long-term integrity. Quantum readiness may well become a dividing line between protocols that are future-proof—and those that are not.

Whether post-quantum cryptography becomes standard across blockchains will depend on sustained research, community coordination, and perhaps most importantly, timing. Those who prepare early won’t just be safer; they’ll be leading the next phase of blockchain’s evolution.

Disclaimer: This piece is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered trading or investment advice. Nothing herein should be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice. Trading or investing in cryptocurrencies carries a considerable risk of financial loss. Always conduct due diligence.

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