The Solana Foundation has taken an early step toward preparing its network for the future of quantum computing by partnering with Project Eleven, a company focused on post-quantum cryptography.

As part of the collaboration, Project Eleven carried out a full quantum risk assessment on the Solana blockchain and went a step further by building a working Solana testnet that uses quantum-resistant digital signatures. According to the announcement, the pilot demonstrated that end-to-end quantum-resistant transactions can be both practical and scalable, even on a high-performance blockchain like Solana.

This is notable because post-quantum cryptography is widely believed to require significantly more computing power than today’s cryptographic methods. Despite this, the testnet reportedly handled transactions efficiently, suggesting that future-proof security does not necessarily have to come at the cost of performance.

At the time of publication, Solana had not publicly confirmed which post-quantum encryption standard was used in the testnet. However, the work aligns with standards published by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2024, which formally approved several post-quantum cryptographic algorithms for long-term use.

Why quantum resistance matters

Quantum computers, once powerful enough, could potentially break many of the cryptographic systems currently used to secure blockchains. While experts disagree on timelines, the risk is no longer considered theoretical.

Solana Foundation’s Vice President of Technology, Matt Sorg, emphasized that protecting digital assets from future quantum threats is a long-term responsibility. This view is increasingly shared across the crypto industry.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin recently estimated a 20% chance that quantum computing could compromise current cryptography before 2030. Others, including Bitcoin cryptographer Adam Back, believe the threat is much further away, possibly decades out.

Regardless of the timeline, blockchains face a common challenge: upgrading cryptographic systems without disrupting existing networks or governance processes. Some ecosystems may adapt faster than others, depending on how flexible their upgrade paths and governance models are.

Early preparation over late reaction

What makes Solana’s move significant is not that quantum computers are an immediate threat, but that the network is testing solutions early. By experimenting now, Solana positions itself to adapt more smoothly if quantum risks materialize sooner than expected.

As blockchain adoption grows and digital assets represent increasing real-world value, proactive security research like this may become a standard expectation rather than a differentiator.