Catenaa, Sunday, January 25, 2026- The Ethereum Foundation has formed a dedicated post-quantum security team and announced a $1 million research prize, stepping up efforts to protect the network from future quantum computing threats.
The new team will focus on accelerating Ethereum’s transition toward cryptographic systems designed to withstand quantum attacks, an area foundation researchers now treat as a strategic priority.
The initiative reflects growing concern across the crypto industry that advances in quantum computing could weaken current security standards.
The post-quantum team will be led by cryptographic engineer Thomas Coratger, supported by Emile, a researcher linked to Ethereum’s leanVM project.
LeanVM is designed as a lightweight zero-knowledge proof virtual machine optimized for quantum-resistant signature schemes and forms a central part of Ethereum’s long-term security planning.
To support research, the foundation introduced the Poseidon Prize, committing $1 million to strengthen a hash function widely used in Ethereum’s zero-knowledge proof systems.
The prize adds to a separate $1 million program announced last year aimed at broader post-quantum cryptography research.
Development work is already underway across multiple Ethereum clients. Lighthouse and Grandine have launched post-quantum development networks, while Prysm is expected to follow.
Regular developer sessions focused on post-quantum transactions are scheduled to begin next month.
The move comes as concerns over quantum risk intensify. Industry groups and exchanges have begun forming advisory bodies to study potential impacts on blockchain security. Ethereum researchers have previously warned that quantum-capable machines could arrive sooner than expected.
Ethereum’s account abstraction roadmap is seen as offering a clearer upgrade path than rival networks, allowing gradual migration to quantum-resistant systems without disruptive network changes.
