Solana launches quantum-resistant upgrade, deploys quantum digital signatures on the testnet

As the blockchain industry’s concern over the potential threats of quantum computing continues to rise, Solana has officially joined the ranks of quantum-resistant security initiatives. The Solana Foundation recently announced that it has successfully deployed post-quantum digital signatures on the Solana testnet, marking an important first step toward quantum-resistant upgrades.

The Solana Foundation stated that although quantum computers have not yet arrived, it is crucial to proactively address potential risks. To this end, the foundation collaborated with Project Eleven, a company focused on post-quantum cryptography, to conduct a systematic assessment of Solana’s quantum security, covering key areas such as core protocols, validator security, user wallets, and long-term cryptographic assumptions.

The assessment results show that, under current technological conditions, end-to-end quantum-resistant transactions are feasible and scalable. As a validation, Project Eleven deployed a fully operational post-quantum signature system on the Solana testnet, breaking the traditional notion that “quantum-resistant blockchains are still in the theoretical stage.”

Matt Sorg, Vice President of Technology at the Solana Foundation, said that the foundation’s goal is not only to ensure current network security but also to maintain Solana’s resilience over the coming decades. This year, the Solana ecosystem will also promote the second client and a new generation of consensus mechanisms to continuously improve network performance and security.

Alex Pruden, CEO of Project Eleven, pointed out that Solana’s approach exemplifies proactive risk management. Solana did not wait for the quantum threat to become a reality before acting but instead invested early and quickly implemented solutions to prepare for the future.

Meanwhile, discussions about the timeline of quantum computing threats are sharply divided within the industry. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson believes that the quantum risk is exaggerated and that the real threat may not materialize until the 2030s; whereas Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin warns that insufficient preparation could lead Bitcoin and Ethereum to face cryptographic challenges by the end of this decade.

Overall, Solana’s deployment of quantum signatures on the testnet sends a clear signal: the quantum security race in the blockchain industry has already begun. Regardless of when quantum computing matures, proactively building quantum-resistant infrastructure is becoming an essential part of the long-term competitiveness of public blockchains.