The Ethereum Foundation is taking quantum computing threats seriously by launching a new team focused on making Ethereum resistant to future quantum attacks. This new “Post Quantum” team will be led by Thomas Coratger and Emile, a key developer behind leanVM, with an initial funding of $2 million to support their efforts.

Quantum computers could eventually break the cryptographic systems that secure today’s blockchains. While this danger may seem far off, experts warn it could become real within the next few years. To stay ahead, Ethereum is building defenses now, treating quantum resistance as a top strategic priority.

Ethereum’s plan involves multiple layers of protection. The Foundation is starting new research, developing advanced security features, and testing infrastructure to ensure long-term safety. Beginning next month, bi-weekly “Post Quantum” meetings will be held to focus on user-facing upgrades like stronger transaction signatures, account abstraction, and special precompiles using leanVM.

Two major prize competitions have also been launched. The Poseidon Prize offers $1 million to improve the Poseidon hash function, while the ongoing Proximity Prize supports research into hash-based cryptography. Ethereum researchers believe hash-based methods are the most secure and efficient for a post-quantum future.

Several teams are already working on post-quantum Ethereum clients. Groups like Zeam, Ream Labs, PierTwo, Gean, and Ethlambda are collaborating with existing Ethereum clients such as Lighthouse, Prysm, and Grandine. Will Corcoran is leading weekly technical meetings to keep everyone aligned on development progress.

To further push innovation, Ethereum will host a three-day global expert workshop in October, following last year’s event in Cambridge. Additionally, a special “Post Quantum Day” is scheduled for March 29 in Cannes, just before the major EthCC conference. These events aim to keep the global Ethereum community engaged in developing secure blockchain solutions.

Opinions in the crypto space are mixed about when quantum threats will arrive. Some believe quantum computers capable of breaking today’s encryption could appear by 2030. Others argue it will take much longer. Ethereum educator sassal.eth warns the threat is real and approaching faster than most expect. Meanwhile, Franklin Bi from Pantera Capital says traditional finance will struggle with the upgrade to post-quantum cryptography, while blockchains like Ethereum are better prepared for fast system-wide upgrades.

Vitalik Buterin once shared data suggesting a 2040 timeline for quantum risk, with a 20% chance of problems starting by 2030. However, some leaders in the Bitcoin community downplay the urgency. For example, Blockstream CEO Adam Back believes practical quantum threats are still decades away.

Despite differing views, many agree that post-quantum security is essential. Stephen Duan from Project ZKM is updating their hashing systems to be quantum-proof. ZKsync creator Alex Gluk said their Airbender prover is already fully protected against quantum attacks, showing how Ethereum is staying ahead of the curve.

The Ethereum Foundation plans to release a detailed roadmap on pq.ethereum.org. This will outline how Ethereum will transition to post-quantum security without losing user funds or causing network downtime.

One exciting development involves artificial intelligence helping with complex cryptography proofs. In one case, an AI tool solved a major math problem in just eight hours at a cost of $200—something that could have taken human researchers weeks or even months.

To help users and developers understand what’s coming, the Foundation is producing educational materials. This includes a six-part video series with ZKPodcast and special content for businesses through its Enterprise Acceleration program.

Ethereum has also joined Coinbase’s post-quantum advisory board, which includes top cryptography experts looking at long-term blockchain security as quantum computing advances worldwide.

With all these steps, Ethereum aims to become one of the first truly quantum-resistant blockchains—protecting digital assets and data far into the future.