Protecting Blockchain Networks from Quantum Threats
A Framework for Quantum Resistance
Source: LACChain
We are very glad to communicate that our paper “Quantum Resistance in Blockchain Networks” has been published by Scientific Reports journal from Springer-Nature and is publicly available online. This represents a very rewarding recognition to the work that we began in 2020 in collaboration with Quantinuum and Tecnologico de Monterrey seeking to develop a framework that allows to help protect blockchain networks from attacks by large and robust quantum computers.
As the paper claims “the advent of quantum computing threatens blockchain protocols and networks because they utilize non-quantum resistant cryptographic algorithms. When quantum computers become robust enough to run Shor’s algorithm on a large scale, the most used asymmetric algorithms, utilized for digital signatures and message encryption, such as RSA, (EC)DSA, and (EC)DH, will be no longer secure. Quantum computers will be able to break them within a short period of time”.
Our work is pioneer in proposing a five-step end-to-end framework applicable to most blockchain networks that does not require critical modifications of the baseline protocols to add a post-quantum cryptographic layer that ensures resistance to attacks by quantum computers. The joint team has also developed a scalable implementation for Ethereum-based networks which has been deployed in LACChain, that uses Hyperledger Besu as the blockchain protocol.
Marcos Allende Lopez, CTO of LACChain and leader of this work claimed that “today the blockchain community is focused on urgent needs such as scalability and interoperability. However, considering that there are trillions of dollars in value stored in blockchain networks and that according to Boston Consulting Group tokenization is expecting to become a $16 trillion market in 2030, it is irresponsible to not have a plan to protect decentralized ledgers from attacks by quantum computers that will be able to discover private keys and steal assets. Despite it is uncertain when large and robust quantum computers will be ready to accomplish that, it is very plausible that these machines are used silently at the beginning for hacking strategically without being spotted.”
Our open-source development presents three alternatives for the blockchain verification of transactions signed with the Falcon-512 NIST-compliant post-quantum signatures: (i) implementing the verification code in Solidity which constitutes – to our knowledge – the first smart contract capable of verifying post-quantum signatures, (ii) implementing solidity instruction in the Solc compiler and corresponding EVM opcode, and (iii) refactoring the EVM opcode Java from the EVM virtual machine into a pre-compiled contract.
The team is now working on an EIP to take this discussion to a broader forum within the Ethereum and Hyperledger communities. LACChain is looking for entities and individuals that want to join us in this mission.
Professor Salvador E. Venegas-Andraca, of Tecnologico de Monterrey, commented: “Quantum technology is a give-and-take discipline: on the one hand, quantum computers together with Shor's algorithm will eventually become a vulnerability to public key cryptography protocols and other technologies used in digital data protection. On the other hand, we can use quantum technology to increase the security of current and future data. The latter is indeed the core of our paper: to use quantum technology to protect current and future blockchains from quantum attacks.”.
Duncan Jones, Head of Cybersecurity at Quantinuum, added: “The most valuable digital assets demand the highest levels of security. By combining quantum-safe algorithms with quantum-computer-hardened keys from our Quantum Origin platform, this work demonstrates a significant security improvement for blockchain systems.”.
About LACChain
LACChain is a global alliance that brings together various stakeholders in the blockchain space, led by the Innovation Lab of the Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Lab), with the goal of developing the blockchain ecosystem in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology in the region, promoting innovation, reducing economic, social, and gender inequalities, improving job quality and security, and fostering financial inclusion, consumer protection, and market integrity. To achieve these goals, LACChain focuses on two main pillars: community and infrastructure. Through its initiatives, LACChain aims to empower people, improve digital security, build trust in the digital economy and society, and foster energy efficiency, all while supporting inclusive growth, well-being, human rights, and fundamental values. For more information about LACChain and its initiatives, please visit their website at www.lacchain.net.
About Tecnologico de Monterrey
Tecnologico de Monterrey was founded in 1943 thanks to the vision of Don Eugenio Garza Sada and a group of entrepreneurs who formed a non-profit association called Enseñanza e Investigación Superior, A. C. Tecnologico de Monterrey is a private, non-profit, independent institution with no political and religious affiliations. The work of Tecnológico de Monterrey on all of its campuses is supported by civil associations made up of a numerous group of outstanding leaders from all over the country who are committed to quality in higher education. Tecnologico de Monterrey is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America and it ranks among the top 200 universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings.
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is one of the world’s largest integrated standalone quantum computing companies, formed by the combination of Honeywell Quantum Solutions’ world-leading hardware and Cambridge Quantum’s class-leading middleware and applications. Science-led and enterprise driven, Quantinuum accelerates quantum computing and the development of applications across chemistry, cybersecurity, finance, and optimization. Its focus is to create scalable and commercial quantum solutions to solve the world’s most pressing problems, in fields such as energy, logistics, climate change, and health. The company employs over 480 people including 350 scientists, at nine sites in the US, Europe, and Japan.
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum, the world’s largest integrated quantum company, pioneers powerful quantum computers and advanced software solutions. Quantinuum’s technology drives breakthroughs in materials discovery, cybersecurity, and next-gen quantum AI. With over 500 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, Quantinuum leads the quantum computing revolution across continents.
Tokyo, Japan, August 19th, 2025 — Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (“Mitsui”), QSimulate, and Quantinuum today announced the launch of a new quantum-integrated chemistry platform, QIDO (Quantum-Integrated Discovery Orchestrator). This platform aims to reduce the time and cost of developing new drugs and materials. QIDO accelerates research and development through high-precision chemical reaction modeling and seamlessly combines the advantages of cutting-edge classical computing and quantum computing.
Built for commercial impact, QIDO streamlines complex quantum-classical hybrid workflows and helps companies make decisions earlier in the development process, contributing to a powerful competitive advantage in innovation. The platform is designed to support research across an array of chemistry-based fields, including advanced materials design, clean energy, and drug development.
Proprietary Technology Supporting QIDO
QIDO seamlessly integrates QSimulate's software “QSP Reaction,” which enables calculations on the scale of thousands of atoms using the highest precision classical quantum chemistry methods and techniques. QIDO also integrates with Quantinuum's “InQuanto" software, which interfaces with state-of-the-art quantum emulators and world-leading Quantinuum Systems hardware. InQuanto™ achieves up to 10 times higher accuracy in simulations of complex molecules and materials compared to open-source software.
- Makoto Koshida, General Manager, Quantum Innovation Department, Mitsui: “We take a market-needs-based approach, aiming to bridge the gap between providing practical features that help customers solve today's challenges and preparing them for the coming quantum era. This approach enables customers to maximize its benefits from day one when quantum technology comes into its own.”
- Toru Shiozaki, Ph.D., President & CEO, QSimulate: “Combining best-in-class quantum chemical simulation with deep quantum computing expertise, QIDO gives industrial chemists powerful, intuitive algorithms and tools to tackle complex chemical challenges with speed and accuracy. We are excited about the marriage between years of innovation in quantum chemistry automation and the future of quantum computation.”
- Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO, Quantinuum: “Adding the benefits of chemical accuracy and computational efficiency of quantum-native simulations in applications of chemistry is a key step forward in revolutionizing the economics of discovery in several significant end markets, such as pharmaceuticals and energy. Quantinuum is proud to offer the industry's highest-performing quantum computers and widely used quantum chemistry software to enable this progress.”
QIDO Use Cases and Future Expansion
QIDO is launched together with a high-precision chemical reaction analysis module based on the so-called active space approach. Potential use cases are as follows:
- Catalysts and enzyme design: Simulating complex electron behavior to inform high-efficiency catalysts and enzymes design for cleaner energy, greener manufacturing, and advanced biocatalysis (useful in drug discovery, food processing, biofuel, etc.).
- Reaction mechanism elucidation: Enabling deeper understanding of complex chemical reaction pathways, including transient intermediates and excited states, for material stability, performance, and lifetime improvements.
- Battery efficiency and energy storage: Enhancing battery materials and performance for safer, longer-lasting, and higher-capacity energy storage.
- Sustainable materials and energy: Advancing energy-efficient materials, improving carbon capture and reuse, and supporting green ammonia and hydrogen production.
QIDO will gradually add new features to accelerate innovation in high-impact use cases, such as battery innovation and drug development. Innovation in these fields through quantum technology will be realized through 'co-creation' with our customers.
Feedback from Industry Leaders
As QIDO's exclusive distributor in Japan and a strategic partner with an eye toward future “co-creation,” Mitsui & Co. is leading domestic sales and distribution, laying the foundation for future global expansion. Prior to the general release of QIDO in the Japanese market, Mitsui & Co. conducted beta testing with three industry-leading companies.
- JSR Corporation: “The platform provided by QSimulate lowers the barriers to computation by simplifying input, automating error handling, and focusing output on necessary information, making it an integral tool in the daily workflows of synthetic organic chemists at JSR. With this platform now extended to support quantum chemistry calculations on quantum computers via InQuanto, it offers a path to an early quantum advantage.” – Yu-ya Ohnishi, Ph.D., Research Fellow & Deputy Director, R&D Technology & Digital Transformation Center, Materials Informatics Promotion Office
- Panasonic Holdings Corporation: “This platform provides users with a tool to intuitively perform chemical reaction simulations through a graphical user interface. In the anticipated era of large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing, materials simulation is regarded as a promising application domain. Integrated with quantum computing, this platform is expected to offer opportunities for early-stage validation in preparation for future breakthroughs.” – Takahiro Ohgoe, Ph.D., Senior Lead Researcher, Green Innovation Center, Green Transformation Division
- Chugai Pharmaceutical: “This application offers an intuitive interface that combines user-friendly operability with clear, instantly interpretable result visualization—making reaction pathway exploration easier and more efficient than ever. At present, we recognize several technical challenges in applying the system to complex molecular calculations encountered in drug discovery and pharmaceutical research. As these challenges are steadily addressed, we expect this application to play a meaningful role in accelerating and optimizing the synthesis and process development of candidate molecules with complex chemical structures—ultimately contributing to innovation in drug discovery and the advancement of pharmaceutical development.” – Akihiko Arakawa, Ph.D., Data Science Group, Digital Solution Dept., Digital Transformation Unit
Notable Functions of QIDO
QIDO is equipped with various functions to streamline high-precision chemical modeling. This makes quantum chemistry technology, which was previously only available to experts, more accessible for use in industrial settings.
- Automatically identify reaction coordinates and transition states from specified reactants and products;
- Map strongly correlated systems to compact Hamiltonians using quantum embedding and automated active space selection techniques;
- Support customizable active spaces and computational methods to balance accuracy and cost;
- Provides optimized energy calculations for reactants, products, and transition states using quantum hardware and their emulators;
- Visualizes quantum circuits and reports the required quantum resources.
For purchases, trial applications, and other details, please visit: https://mitsui-q.com/en/qido/.
About Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Mitsui & Co. is a global trading and investment company with a presence in more than 60 countries and a diverse business portfolio covering a wide range of industries.
The company identifies, develops, and grows its businesses in partnership with a global network of trusted partners including world leading companies, combining its geographic and cross-industry strengths to create long-term sustainable value for its stakeholders.
Mitsui has set three key strategic initiatives for its current Medium-term Management Plan: supporting industries to grow and evolve with stable supplies of resources and materials, and providing infrastructure; promoting a global transition to low-carbon and renewable energy; and empowering people to lead healthy lives through the delivery of quality healthcare and access to good nutrition.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mitsui.com/jp/en/index.html
About QSimulate
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Boston, MA, QSimulate is a leader in quantum simulation technology for materials development and life sciences. The company offers a range of products and services designed to leverage the power of quantum mechanics to solve industrial-scale problems like never before.
For more information, please visit: https://qsimulate.com/
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across key industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 550 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
For more information, please visit: https://www.quantinuum.com
Doha, Qatar, May 20th, 2025 — Invest Qatar, the Investment Promotion Agency of Qatar, has inked a strategic agreement with Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing and developer of the world’s highest-performing quantum computer. The partnership aims to strengthen Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem by supporting Quantinuum’s recently announced expansion into the region, which was highlighted last week by the President of the United States during his historic state visit to Qatar.
Through this partnership, Invest Qatar will provide tailored support services to Quantinuum, including access to key stakeholders, sector-specific insights and opportunities for collaboration with local innovation and research institutions. Invest Qatar will also promote initiatives that drive quantum computing adoption and raise awareness of Quantinuum’s contributions to Qatar’s tech landscape. Through this partnership, Invest Qatar will support Quantinuum’s expansion into the country to apply quantum technologies for the benefit of key sectors in Qatar, while enhancing local research and development (R&D) capabilities, to create high-skilled jobs and train the next generation quantum workforce in Qatar. This includes facilitating connections with key stakeholders, enabling collaboration in R&D, and aligning with national initiatives aimed at advancing quantum technologies.
As part of the agreement, Quantinuum will play a central role in advancing Qatar’s quantum capabilities by launching a range of targeted initiatives, including knowledge-sharing platforms, educational seminars and technical workshops delivered by Quantinuum’s global experts. The partnership also envisions launching joint research projects with Qatari academic and research institutions, exploring opportunities for local integration of quantum technologies and facilitating access to Quantinuum’s cutting-edge quantum computing infrastructure. Additionally, internship opportunities will be offered to students from Qatar-based universities, providing direct experience in real-world quantum computing applications.
Commenting on the partnership, Sheikh Ali Alwaleed Al-Thani, CEO, Invest Qatar, said: “This partnership with Quantinuum reflects our continued commitment to positioning Qatar at the forefront of next-generation technologies. By combining global expertise with local ambition, we aim to cultivate a thriving quantum ecosystem that drives innovation, supports economic diversification and empowers future talent. We are pleased to work with Quantinuum to unlock the transformative potential of quantum computing for Qatar and the wider region.”
Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO, Quantinuum, said: “Launching our presence in Qatar opens an exciting new chapter in a region ready to lead in quantum computing. Building on our recently announced expansion into the country through our joint venture with Al Rabban Capital, and our ongoing partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University, this collaboration with Invest Qatar reinforces our commitment to the growth of Qatar’s quantum computing ecosystem. As part of the deepening strategic ties between the U.S. and Qatar, we’re enabling direct access to our world-leading quantum hardware and software, creating value for academia and industry in Qatar while training the next generation of quantum developers and researchers to strengthen the region’s position as a global hub for advanced technologies.”
About Invest Qatar
The Investment Promotion Agency Qatar (Invest Qatar) is responsible for overseeing investment promotion activities, aimed at attracting foreign direct investment to Qatar. Established in 2019, Invest Qatar’s mission is to strengthen Qatar’s position as an ideal investment destination, while facilitating investments that foster economic diversification and development.
As the gateway to investment solutions, Invest Qatar connects investors to an integrated ecosystem of business and licensing platforms. The Agency partners with investors throughout their journey, from exploration and setup to expansion, ensuring their long-term growth by providing comprehensive insights into Qatar’s business landscape, sector-specific market knowledge and tailored investment facilitation.
For more information, please visit www.invest.qa
@InvestQatar | #InvestQatar
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 550 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
For more information, please visit www.quantinuum.com
Doha, Qatar, May 14th, 2025 — Quantinuum, the world leader in quantum computing, is establishing a Qatari-incorporated Joint Venture with Al Rabban Capital, a division of Al Rabban Holding Company, one of Qatar’s most prominent companies. The Joint Venture will accelerate quantum computing adoption in Qatar and the region, strategically positioning the U.S. and Qatar as global leaders in the quantum revolution. This first of its kind quantum technology partnership was highlighted by the President of the United States during his historic state visit to Qatar.
The Joint Venture has three core objectives: enabling access to Quantinuum’s world-leading quantum technologies in the region; co-developing quantum computing applications tailored to regional needs in areas such as New Energy, Materials Discovery, Precision Medicine, Genomics, and Financial Services, with new opportunities emerging in the era of Generative Quantum AI (GenQAI); and, training the next generation of quantum computing developers in Qatar and the region.
Quantinuum is steadily expanding its global presence to meet the growing international demand for its technology and applications. The company’s expansion into the Gulf region, starting with Qatar, follows its successful growth across the U.S., U.K., Europe and Indo-Pacific. This Joint Venture reflects a shared commitment by the U.S. and Qatar to strengthen strategic ties, spur bilateral investment in future-defining industries, and foster technological leadership and shared prosperity.
Quantinuum’s Joint Venture with Al Rabban Capital builds on its partnership announced last year with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Qatar Center for Quantum Computing (QC2), Qatar’s premier quantum research hub.
“This is a defining moment in Qatar’s ambition to become a regional hub for advanced technologies like quantum computing,” said Abdulaziz Khalid Al Rabban, Chairman, Al Rabban Capital. “We're partnering with Quantinuum to deliver world-class quantum solutions, driving economic growth in Qatar and the region.”
“This Joint Venture demonstrates our shared vision to lead in transformative technologies,” said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum. “Together with Al Rabban Capital, we’re accelerating the commercial adoption of quantum computing in Qatar and the region whilst serving U.S. and Qatari strategic interests.”
About Quantinuum
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company’s quantum systems deliver the highest performance across key industry benchmarks. Quantinuum’s over 550 employees, including 370+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
For more information, please visit: https://www.quantinuum.com
About Al Rabban Capital
Al Rabban Capital (ARC) is a Qatari investment and advisory firm driving business growth across Qatar and the GCC. ARC enable market entry and expansion through joint ventures, strategic partnerships, and deep local insight. ARC supports both public and private sector initiatives with tailored, end-to-end solutions. Beyond capital, ARC provide strategic guidance, governance, and access to a robust regional network. ARC’s focus includes AI, quantum tech, healthcare, and sustainability, with a commitment to impactful growth.
For more information, please visit: https://www.alrabbancapital.com