New Quantum Alliance Aims to Define What “Quantum-Resistant” Means for Crypto

Nine cryptocurrency organizations have come together to tackle a question that the industry often skirts around with marketing jargon: what does “quantum-resistant” really mean?

Formed on October 15-16, 2026, this group, known as the Quantum Alliance, is dedicated to establishing and testing standards for quantum resistance in blockchain networks. Their goal is to ensure that anyone who claims to be quantum-resistant can substantiate that claim against measurable criteria.

The founding members include executives from Quantus, American Fortress, and Intmax, along with a selection of other blockchain organizations that complete the roster of nine.

The alliance intends to create open definitions and standards geared toward post-quantum readiness. Their primary focus is on transaction signatures and key management, which are critical areas vulnerable to quantum attacks.

Work is set to unfold across four initial working groups:

• Blockchain migration: Exploring how existing networks can transition from current cryptographic methods to quantum-resistant options without causing disruption.
• Post-quantum zero-knowledge proof systems: The group will investigate adaptations of zero-knowledge proofs—these systems allow verification of a statement’s truth without disclosing the underlying data—to ensure they can withstand quantum threats.
• Wallet and key security: Focusing on the actual locations of user funds and the associated risks.
• Cross-chain compatibility: Ensuring that a quantum solution applied to one blockchain doesn’t hinder its ability to interact with others.

The alliance has pledged to make all of its findings public.

Currently, most blockchain networks depend on elliptic-curve signatures to establish ownership. However, there’s a significant concern regarding Shor’s algorithm. If executed on a sufficiently advanced quantum computer, it might reverse-engineer a public key to uncover the corresponding private key controlling the funds.

Due to the immutable nature of blockchains, the public keys stored there are permanent. An estimated 6.04 million to 6.4 million BTC—around 30.2% of the total supply—have public keys that are exposed in a potentially vulnerable state. This is exactly the kind of information a quantum attacker would exploit.

Fortunately, the broader field of cryptography has already laid some groundwork. In August 2024, NIST finalized its post-quantum cryptography standards, providing governments and businesses with a selection of approved algorithms for their transition.

However, blockchains face unique challenges that NIST’s standards don’t fully address. Implementing post-quantum signatures can lead to larger sizes, affecting block space and fees. Additionally, transitioning requires collaboration among thousands of independent users and node operators. Plus, funds held in inactive accounts cannot be upgraded on anyone else’s timeline.

This is the gap the Quantum Alliance aims to close: translating general post-quantum standards into applicable criteria for blockchain functionality. The migration framework is tailored specifically to safeguard vulnerable public keys, like those associated with the aforementioned exposed Bitcoin balances.

For developers, establishing open standards could reduce the costs associated with proper implementation. A wallet developer or a bridge team wouldn’t need to create post-quantum security measures from the ground up or speculate about what other chains might adopt.

For asset holders, coins sitting at addresses with visible public keys carry distinct long-term risks compared to those that have never exposed their keys.

The founding members also play a crucial role in this initiative. Although Quantus, American Fortress, and Intmax aren’t the largest players in the crypto sector, the alliance’s significance will ultimately hinge on whether larger networks, wallet providers, and custodians engage with its outputs or adopt its recommendations.