Ethlabs proposes post-quantum roadmap for Ethereum by 2027

The pqai27 Proposal

Ethlabs has outlined a plan, named pqai27, for Ethereum to become post-quantum and potentially post-AI by 2027. This vision was presented following a visit to core developers at Devcon in Mumbai.

The proposal argues that the advancement of quantum computing and artificial intelligence has accelerated the timeline for network preparation. The focus is not on current vulnerability but on the speed at which the timeframe is changing.

The pqai27 framework has two main goals. The first, pqai-ready, aims to establish post-quantum consensus and provide users with a post-quantum path as the network scales at Glamsterdam.

The second goal, pqai-scaled, is a longer-term objective that would make post-quantum transactions and data availability available at full scale, requiring the introduction of EIP-8288 and EIP-8479.

Technical Adjustments and Trade-offs

To achieve pqai-ready status, Ethlabs suggests modifying the hard fork following Glamsterdam, which is Hegota. Frames is noted as an existing execution-layer feature that aids post-quantum signatures like SPHINCS because it makes account validation programmable.

However, Ethlabs advises delaying FOCIL, a consensus-layer censorship-resistance mechanism, due to compatibility issues and concerns that it could hinder pqai-readiness. If FOCIL is shelved, the execution layer can update to include Frames independently.

The concept of post-AI readiness involves building cryptography based on minimal assumptions, centered on hash-based constructions. It also requires hardening clients against frontier AI models that might discover vulnerabilities at scale.

External Pressures and Adoption Hurdles

External developments reinforce the urgency of the transition. The United States has moved its target for addressing quantum risk from 2035 to 2030, and Google plans to complete its own post-quantum migration by 2029.

Ethlabs points to reports, such as one from OpenAI, where an internal frontier model reportedly identified about 1,000 vulnerabilities in Linux. Ethereum's response to such issues involves formal verification and client diversity.

For developers, the pqai27 roadmap implies technical trade-offs. Ethlabs has already removed Quick Slots, a feature for faster blocks, from Hegota and backed its support into pqai27, with quicker slots scheduled for 2028.

The primary uncertainty remains whether core developers will adopt the pqai27 plan or pursue Gasper post-quantum, as the fully desirable outcome is still awaiting finalized specifications.

Implications for Users and Validators

For users and institutions, the transition necessitates migration. Wallets would need to support post-quantum accounts, including key rotation and scoped access. Validators must also migrate to using post-quantum keys.

Rollups could utilize post-quantum call data if blob data is not yet post-quantum. The proposal, however, is still a suggestion, and core developers have not accepted it as a definitive roadmap, meaning changes to Hegota represent a real cost.

Updated 13 November 2026

Ethlabs has withdrawn its faster-blocks proposal from the Hegotá upgrade planned for 2027, according to Coin Academy, and aims to move Ethereum's post-quantum security target to 2027, against a current target of 2028. The report also said ETH holders would need to change their own signature method to be protected.