The Solana Foundation has taken a concrete step towards quantum-safe blockchain security, implementing post-quantum digital signatures on a Solana testnet.
This development comes amid growing concerns that the threat from quantum computing may arrive sooner than previously anticipated.
Solana starts the quantum-safe upgrade with post-quantum testnet rollout
The Solana blockchain is the latest addition to the list of networks that are cautiously addressing the threat of quantum computing. Following Ethereum and Cardano, Solana is also establishing secure measures by implementing post-quantum signatures on its testnet.
'Quantum computers are not here yet, but the Solana Foundation is preparing for the possibility. Therefore, we have collaborated with Project Eleven to assess our quantum readiness. We are pleased to announce a first step, the implementation of post-quantum signatures on a Solana testnet,' wrote the Solana Foundation in a post.
This action follows a comprehensive assessment of quantum risk conducted by Project Eleven, a company specializing in post-quantum cryptography and migration strategies for digital assets.
The assessment looked at how future quantum advancements could impact Solana's core architecture, validator security, user wallets, and long-term cryptographic assumptions.
As part of the collaboration, Project Eleven also implemented a functioning post-quantum signature system on a Solana testnet. This demonstrates that end-to-end quantum-safe transactions are already practical and scalable with today's technology.
The results challenge the long-accepted assumption that quantum-safe blockchain systems are still a distant theoretical concern.
'Our responsibility is to ensure that Solana remains secure, not just today, but for decades to come,' states an excerpt on the official blog, with a quote from Matt Sorg, VP of Technology at Solana Foundation.
Sorg pointed out that the Solana ecosystem's 'ship' culture will continue with the launch of a second client and a state-of-the-art consensus mechanism this year.
Initiatives like Project Eleven reflect early, concrete steps to strengthen the network and stay ahead, to ensure Solana's long-term resilience.
Project Eleven CEO Alex Pruden described Solana's decision as an example of proactive risk management, rather than reactive security planning.
'Solana did not wait for quantum computers to become a headline issue,' said Pruden. 'They invested early, asked the tough questions, and took concrete steps today. The results show that post-quantum security on Solana is possible with today's technology.'
How close is the quantum threat? Crypto leaders disagree as timelines tighten
The announcement comes amid increasing debate about how close quantum computing is to threatening the classical cryptographic systems used by blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Recent research suggests that the time horizon may be shorter, with estimates placing significant quantum risk within the next few years, rather than decades.
Industry views remain divided. Cardano's founder Charles Hoskinson has previously claimed that quantum risk is exaggerated. The crypto leader believes that real threats will only emerge when military standards are reached, possibly in the 2030s.
He has also warned that quantum-safe cryptography could significantly increase computational costs and reduce performance.
Other networks are taking a more urgent stance. Ethereum has publicly prioritized quantum safety as part of its long-term roadmap. Co-founder Vitalik Buterin warns that both Ethereum and Bitcoin may face cryptographic threats before the end of the decade if preparations are delayed.
Beyond Solana, the collaboration indicates a broader industry shift towards quantum-secure infrastructure. Experts increasingly warn that blockchains relying solely on classical signature schemes may eventually face risks such as:
Stolen funds
Counterfeit validator identities
Deeper cryptographic flaws at the system level
Project Eleven stated that they will continue to collaborate with Solana and other players in the ecosystem. This comes as the networks assess:
Migration paths
New standards, and
The implementation of post-quantum secure primitives.
Solana's testnet implementation suggests that the technical barriers to quantum security are already falling. This is despite the fact that large-scale quantum computers capable of cracking blockchain cryptography do not yet exist.
Whether quantum threats materialize in two years or ten, the race to secure blockchain for the future is clearly underway, and Solana has positioned itself among the early actors.
