Ethereum Foundation Launches Post-Quantum Security Team with $1M Prize

TLDR

• Ethereum Foundation’s post-quantum security team is led by Thomas Coratger.
• The foundation offers $1M Poseidon Prize to strengthen Ethereum’s cryptographic security.
• Ethereum’s leanVM project aims for quantum-resistant signatures in zero-knowledge proofs.
• The foundation is developing post-quantum devnets with multiple client implementations.

The Ethereum Foundation has made a decisive move to address future threats posed by quantum computing. The organization has established a dedicated post-quantum (PQ) security team to accelerate efforts in securing the Ethereum network. This team, led by cryptographic engineer Thomas Coratger, aims to focus on quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions, particularly in relation to Ethereum’s use of zero-knowledge proofs.

Ethereum Foundation Goes Post-Quantum with $2M Security Push

The Ethereum Foundation announced a dedicated post-quantum security team backed by $2M in funding, including a $1M Poseidon Prize for cryptographic research.

Researcher Justin Drake confirmed the transition from… pic.twitter.com/QLeJQqs6wL

— PIPO.new (@PIPOnew_) January 25, 2026

According to senior researcher Justin Drake, this shift is now a top strategic priority for Ethereum, emphasizing that the timeline for quantum computing developments is fast approaching. “It’s now 2026, timelines are accelerating. Time to go full PQ,” Drake mentioned in an update. This focus is in line with broader industry concerns surrounding the potential risks of quantum computing and its ability to break current cryptographic systems.

$1 Million Poseidon Prize to Strengthen Ethereum’s Cryptographic Security

In addition to the formation of the PQ security team, the Ethereum Foundation is backing its efforts with financial support. The foundation has announced the creation of the $1 million Poseidon Prize. This prize aims to support research efforts focused on improving a key hash function used in Ethereum’s zero-knowledge proofs.

Zero-knowledge proofs are a cornerstone of Ethereum’s scalability and privacy features, and strengthening the cryptographic foundations of these systems is crucial for future-proofing the network.

Alongside the Poseidon Prize, the Ethereum Foundation continues to support broader post-quantum research through the $1 million Proximity Prize, which was introduced last year. These financial incentives are designed to accelerate progress in quantum-resistant cryptography, ensuring that Ethereum remains secure even in the face of advancements in quantum computing.

LeanVM Project: The Cornerstone of Ethereum’s Post-Quantum Strategy

A central component of Ethereum’s post-quantum strategy is the leanVM project. Developed by the Ethereum Foundation’s cryptographers, leanVM is a minimalist virtual machine optimized for quantum-resistant, hash-based signatures.

This project aims to future-proof Ethereum’s zero-knowledge proof systems, which rely heavily on secure cryptographic operations. The foundation is positioning leanVM as the “cornerstone” of its transition to post-quantum security.

Through this project, Ethereum aims to transition to a more robust cryptographic framework that will be resistant to the potential capabilities of quantum computers. While quantum computers are not yet fully developed, their future capabilities could pose significant risks to existing cryptographic systems. Ethereum’s proactive efforts in this area are intended to ensure the longevity of the network in the face of such threats.

Development and Community Engagement for Post-Quantum Security

Engineering efforts for post-quantum readiness are already underway. The foundation has initiated multi-client post-quantum consensus development networks, with implementations running on Ethereum clients like Lighthouse and Grandine. The Prysm client is expected to follow shortly, contributing to the network’s readiness for the quantum era.

To further engage the Ethereum developer community, biweekly developer sessions focusing on post-quantum transactions are set to begin next month. These sessions, led by researcher Antonio Sanso, will help spread knowledge about quantum-resistant cryptographic techniques and encourage collaboration among developers. The foundation has also scheduled a three-day workshop for October and an additional session ahead of the Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) in March.

This community-driven approach ensures that Ethereum’s transition to post-quantum security remains inclusive and transparent. As quantum computing becomes a more pressing concern, Ethereum aims to stay ahead of potential risks through these collaborative efforts.