As the world inches closer to the era of practical quantum computing, the security of digital assets like Bitcoin is coming under increasing scrutiny. In a move that could shape the future of blockchain validation, BTQ Technologies Corp. (CBOE CA: BTQ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with French quantum computing company Quandela SAS to explore new ways of making blockchain validation both quantum-secure and energy-efficient.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies rely on Proof-of-Work (PoW) systems, which require miners to solve complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and secure the network. While effective, this approach consumes enormous amounts of energy and could be threatened by the rise of quantum computers, which may eventually break traditional cryptographic frameworks.
BTQ Technologies has developed a protocol called Quantum Sampling Proof-of-Work (QSPoW), which aims to address both of these issues. Inspired by Bitcoin’s PoW, QSPoW uses a quantum process called boson sampling, where photons are sent through an optical network to generate unpredictable results. These outcomes are extremely difficult for classical computers to replicate, making the protocol resistant to attacks from both traditional and quantum computers.
Quandela brings to the table its expertise in photonic quantum computing, particularly its cloud-based Perceval platform and Belenos quantum processor. Under the new MOU, Quandela will provide both simulated and real boson-sampling data, which BTQ will use to test the performance of its QSPoW protocol in a dedicated testnet. The goal is to see whether this quantum-powered approach can significantly reduce the energy demands of blockchain validation while maintaining, or even strengthening, network security.
If the tests deliver promising results, the two companies plan to explore commercialization opportunities, including the potential integration of Quandela’s Belenos quantum processor into future blockchain systems.
The threat quantum computers pose to Bitcoin is not just theoretical. In fact, BlackRock recently updated its risk disclosures for its iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF to warn investors about the risk quantum computing poses to cryptographic security in the Bitcoin network. While the Bitcoin community is considering quantum-resistant algorithms, making such a transition would require broad consensus and could involve contentious network forks, a process that is anything but guaranteed.
BTQ’s QSPoW protocol is positioned as a potential next-generation solution. By incorporating quantum mechanics directly into the consensus algorithm, it aims to future-proof the network against quantum attacks and create a quantum-safe store of value. At the same time, it could dramatically cut the energy consumption associated with traditional mining, a growing concern for both environmental advocates and regulators.
The collaboration between BTQ and Quandela is still in its early stages. Over the coming months, Quandela will deliver tailored datasets to BTQ, who will then run a series of tests on its QSPoW testnet. Both companies will share findings and explore ways to minimize errors in quantum processes. If the results are positive, they could set the stage for the first commercial integration of photonic quantum processors into blockchain validation.
Olivier Roussy Newton, CEO of BTQ Technologies, summed up the partnership by emphasizing the shared ambition to bring real-world quantum solutions to market. Niccolo Somaschi, Quandela’s CEO, highlighted the opportunity to demonstrate the versatility of photonic quantum computing for emerging cryptographic protocols.
While the quantum threat to Bitcoin and other digital assets is still on the horizon, the race to secure the future of blockchain is already underway. The partnership between BTQ Technologies and Quandela could mark a significant step toward a more secure and energy-efficient blockchain ecosystem, one that is ready for whatever the quantum future brings.
