What did Project Eleven CEO Alex Pruden say about Bitcoin and quantum computing?

Project Eleven CEO Alex Pruden said Bitcoin developers should move from research into production on quantum-resistant security upgrades now rather than waiting for certainty on quantum-computing timelines. He warned that waiting too long could expose Bitcoin wallets to major security risks if quantum machines become powerful enough to break current cryptography.

Why is quantum computing considered a threat to Bitcoin?

Bitcoin currently relies on elliptic-curve cryptography, specifically ECDSA signatures, to secure wallets and transactions. A sufficiently advanced quantum computer could potentially use Shor’s algorithm to derive private keys from exposed public keys, allowing attackers to steal funds from vulnerable addresses.

How big could the Bitcoin quantum risk become?

Alex Pruden estimated the value at risk at roughly $2.3 trillion, reflecting Bitcoin’s current market size. If quantum computers become capable enough before Bitcoin upgrades its security, exposed wallets and dormant coins could potentially be vulnerable to attacks.

What is a post-quantum signature scheme for Bitcoin?

A post-quantum signature scheme is a new cryptographic system designed to resist attacks from quantum computers. Bitcoin developers are discussing alternatives based on hash functions and lattice cryptography, which are considered more secure against future quantum threats.

Why would Bitcoin’s post-quantum migration be harder than Taproot?

Pruden said the migration would be much harder because Taproot was optional, while a quantum-resistant transition would likely require participation from nearly every Bitcoin holder, wallet provider, exchange, and institution. The challenge is not only technical but also operational and social across the entire ecosystem.

What is BIP-360 and why does it matter for Bitcoin?

BIP-360 is a proposal that could introduce a quantum-resistant Taproot output type into Bitcoin. The proposal is important because it lays early groundwork for upgrading Bitcoin’s security model before quantum computers become a practical threat.

Could quantum computers steal Bitcoin from dormant wallets?

Potentially yes, according to Pruden’s comments, because older Bitcoin addresses with exposed public keys may be vulnerable if quantum computers become powerful enough. This debate is especially sensitive because it could affect millions of dormant BTC, including coins linked to Satoshi Nakamoto.

What did Alex Pruden say about confiscating dormant Bitcoin?

Pruden said he personally leans toward recycling dormant, quantum-vulnerable Bitcoin back into the supply curve, although he stressed the community and market would ultimately decide. This is a controversial idea because it conflicts with Bitcoin’s strong property-rights philosophy.

Project Eleven urges Bitcoin quantum migration

Written by Isaac FrancisPublished May. 7 2026Last Updated May. 7 2026

Project Eleven CEO Alex Pruden said Bitcoin developers should stop waiting for certainty around quantum-computing timelines and begin implementing post-quantum cryptographic protections now.

Speaking at CoinDesk’s Consensus Miami conference on Wednesday, Pruden said the risk of delaying action outweighed the downside of introducing quantum-resistant security measures too early.

“Moving stuff out of just research into production is, I think, actually what we need to focus on,”

Said Project Eleven CEO Alex Pruden, adding:

“Let’s focus on the D of R&D.”

Pruden warned that a sufficiently advanced quantum computer could use Shor’s algorithm to derive private keys from exposed Bitcoin public keys, potentially putting around $2.3 trillion worth of digital assets at risk.

He said Bitcoin’s migration to post-quantum cryptography would be significantly harder than the Taproot upgrade because every wallet, exchange and institution handling Bitcoin would need to participate rather than opt in voluntarily.

Pruden pointed to BIP-360 and Blockstream’s deployment of a hash-based signature scheme on Liquid Network as early groundwork for introducing quantum-resistant transaction formats into Bitcoin.

“The question of the Satoshi coins in particular is a hard one,”

Pruden said, adding that dormant quantum-vulnerable Bitcoin could eventually be recycled into the supply curve, although he stressed the market and broader community would ultimately decide.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $81,421.65.