Emre Yumlu 
Ethereum is entering a critical phase in its long-term security strategy as concerns around quantum computing move closer to reality. The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has officially elevated post-quantum(PQ) security to a top priority within the network’s roadmap, signaling a proactive approach to protecting Ethereum against future cryptographic threats.
As part of this initiative, the Foundation has established a dedicated team focused exclusively on post-quantum research and implementation.
Ethereum Foundation Forms New Post-Quantum Focused Team
The newly formed Post-Quantum team is led by Thomas Coratger, a cryptographic engineer at the Ethereum Foundation. The group will concentrate on developing cryptographic systems designed to withstand potential attacks from advanced quantum computers.
According to Ethereum researcher Justin Drake, this move represents a strategic turning point. While post-quantum research has been underway behind the scenes for years, the Foundation is now accelerating timelines and shifting into active execution. This reflects a broader understanding that quantum-resistant infrastructure must be developed well before quantum threats become practical.
At the technical core of this strategy lies leanVM, a highly specialized and minimal zero-knowledge virtual machine. LeanVM is expected to serve as a foundational component for Ethereum’s post-quantum architecture, particularly in areas related to cryptographic verification and efficiency.
Developer Sessions and Targeted Funding
Ethereum’s post-quantum push extends beyond research into hands-on ecosystem development. Starting next month, biweekly developer sessions will focus specifically on post-quantum transaction design. These sessions will be led by Ethereum researcher Antonio Sanso and will emphasize user-facing security solutions.
Key discussion areas include protocol-level cryptographic tools, account abstraction pathways, and longer-term plans for aggregating transaction signatures through leanVM. The goal is to ensure that post-quantum protections are not only theoretically sound but also practical and accessible.
To support this effort, the Ethereum Foundation has committed $2 million in new funding. This includes a $1 million Poseidon Prize, aimed at strengthening the Poseidon hash function, and a separate $1 million Proximity Prize, designed to encourage innovation in post-quantum cryptography.
Growing Industry Awareness
Interest in quantum risk is expanding across the broader crypto industry. Recently, Coinbase announced the formation of an independent advisory board to assess how advances in quantum computing could affect blockchain security. The board, composed of experts from academia and industry, is expected to publish its first findings in early 2027.
Meanwhile, the Ethereum Foundation plans to host a dedicated post-quantum event later this year, followed by a focused session ahead of EthCC. Educational initiatives targeting developers and enterprises are also underway, underscoring Ethereum’s intent to lead the ecosystem into a quantum-secure future.
You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.