The Ethereum Foundation has initiated a strategic response to the potential risks posed by quantum computing, establishing a dedicated Post-Quantum (PQ) security team. This initiative, announced in January 2026, is spearheaded by Thomas Coratger and comes with a substantial funding commitment of $2 million, aimed at fortifying the network”s defenses against emerging quantum threats.
In a recent post on X, researcher Justin Drake emphasized the urgency of this initiative, highlighting the years of foundational research that have led to this pivotal moment. The PQ team will focus on integrating quantum-resistant cryptography into the core functionalities of Ethereum.
Central to this initiative are two significant awards: the $1 million Poseidon Prize, designed to enhance the security of the Poseidon hash function, and the $1 million Proximity Prize, which targets innovations related to proximity in cryptographic applications. These prizes underline Ethereum”s commitment to advancing hash-based cryptography as a defense mechanism against quantum computing.
Progress updates reveal ongoing developments, including live multi-client PQ consensus devnets supported by teams like Lighthouse and Grandine. Upcoming bi-weekly All Core Devs calls will focus on user-facing security features, which will encompass dedicated precompiles and account abstraction enhancements.
The foundation is also set to host a series of expert workshops to facilitate global collaboration on these initiatives, including a three-day event scheduled for October and a dedicated PQ day on March 29, coinciding with EthCC in Cannes. A comprehensive roadmap for the transition to quantum-resistant features will be available soon on pq.ethereum.org, ensuring that the upgrade process occurs without any downtime or loss of funds.
“It”s now 2026, timelines are accelerating. Time to go full PQ,” declared Justin Drake, underscoring the critical nature of these advancements as alarms have been raised by Vitalik Buterin regarding potential vulnerabilities in ECDSA by 2028.
This proactive stance by the Ethereum Foundation contrasts sharply with ongoing discussions within the Bitcoin community regarding quantum timelines and preparedness. For further insights into quantum-resistant efforts, readers may explore initiatives like Zcash and MANTRA (OM).
As the landscape of quantum computing continues to evolve, the Ethereum Foundation”s strategic pivot towards enhanced security measures represents a crucial step in safeguarding the future of the network.
