Ethlabs urges Ethereum to target quantum readiness by 2027

In a proposal published on the Ethereum Magicians forum on November 11, Ethlabs called its plan “pqai27” and urged developers to prioritize defenses against both quantum computing and AI-related vulnerabilities in upcoming upgrades. The group has pledged to withdraw its Quick Slots proposal from Hegotá and redirect resources to security work. Ethereum’s core developers have not approved the proposed timeline.

Ethlabs divides the goal into two stages. “pqai-ready” would put quantum-resistant cryptography in Ethereum’s consensus system and give users a way to secure accounts against future quantum attacks. The network could continue operating if current protections became vulnerable, potentially at reduced capacity. The more ambitious “pqai-scaled” stage would support quantum-resistant transactions and data processing without the same performance limits; Ethlabs wants to complete it in 2027.

The Foundation’s published roadmap targets December 2029 for quantum resistance across Ethereum’s execution, consensus and data layers. It adopted that deadline while preparing for the possibility that quantum computers could threaten existing cryptography around 2030, and plans to reassess the risks with outside experts in January 2027. Ethlabs also cited Google’s goal of completing its post-quantum transition by 2029 and changes in US government planning. It said recent AI research into mathematics and software vulnerabilities supports starting sooner, while conceding researchers cannot say when AI might threaten cryptography—or whether some mathematical attacks will ever be possible.

Reaching the earlier target would mean revisiting Hegotá priorities. Ethlabs still supports faster block production and said it hopes to pursue Quick Slots in 2028. It said FOCIL, a proposal to make it harder for block producers to exclude valid transactions, should be scheduled only if it does not interfere with the security deadline. Frame Transactions (EIP-8141), which could help accounts use alternative signature methods, would remain a priority.

Ethlabs said developers must assess whether to modify Ethereum’s existing Gasper consensus system or adopt a newer design called decoupled consensus. It also identified EIP-8288, on signature aggregation, and EIP-8479, on quantum-resistant data availability, as necessary for the full-capacity stage. The group wants wallet providers and validator operators to have migration tools for quantum-resistant keys, including options such as key rotation and separate recovery permissions. It said Glamsterdam should proceed as planned, with developers reconsidering the sequence of later upgrades.