Co-Founder of Solana Warns about Quantum Computing Threats to Bitcoin
Anatoly Yakovenko, one of the co-founders of Solana, has expressed concerns regarding the potential risks that quantum computing may pose to Bitcoin, suggesting the issue could be more pressing than widely believed. He mentioned, “It feels like 50/50 within five years, but there will be a quantum breakthrough,” during his talk at the All Insummit 2025 earlier this month. According to him, there’s an urgent need to transition Bitcoin to a quantum-resistant signature scheme.
Recently, conversations surrounding quantum computing’s implications for Bitcoin have intensified, particularly with the emergence of Google’s Willow chip. There’s a growing fear that quantum computers might soon exploit Shor’s algorithms, which are known to break cryptographic systems like elliptic curve encryption— the very encryption that safeguards Bitcoin wallets.
Of course, not everyone shares the same urgency. Some argue that the threats to Bitcoin are still far-off. Yakovenko, however, emphasizes that the rapid advancements in AI technologies warrant a more proactive approach. “I try to encourage people to speed things up,” he stated, noting that concepts are transitioning from research to practical applications at an unexpectedly fast pace. Companies like Google and Apple are reportedly making strides in developing quantum-resistant technologies.
Yet, upgrading Bitcoin isn’t as straightforward as it might be for centralized entities like Google or Apple. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature presents challenges. There’s no centralized oversight or recognized development team to implement updates as is common with many other blockchains. This lack of structured governance can complicate consensus on upgrades, which, while enhancing reliability, can be a drawback during urgent situations.
Yakovenko acknowledges the risks posed by quantum advancements but remains optimistic about Bitcoin’s resilience against existing threats. He remarked on the network’s capacity to endure challenges—including potential disruptions from finance companies like MicroStrategy that have heavily invested in Bitcoin through leveraged strategies, raising fears about sustainability should they falter.
He elaborated, “Now, there is no pain risk from the people who own Bitcoin, but the problem is that it will survive—and all the traits that people cherish—through that transition.” Yakovenko also suggested that Bitcoin’s framework could withstand attempts at hijacking by malicious actors or governmental bodies, citing the simplicity and effectiveness of its consensus mechanism.
In his view, the reason Bitcoin hasn’t been hacked is tied to its underlying design. “I think Bitcoin is the coolest thing, the coolest software written over the last 20 years,” he said. Despite the threats, his faith in Bitcoin’s ability to adapt and thrive remains strong.
