Solana’s Yakovenko Warns Bitcoin Needs Quantum-Resistant Upgrade

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana, highlighted a potential quantum computing breakthrough threatening Bitcoin’s security. This scenario demands migration to quantum-resistant protocols by 2030, stressing immediate attention due to rapid technology convergence.

Anatoly Yakovenko’s statement at the All-In Summit 2025 emphasized the urgency for Bitcoin’s cryptography upgrade to defend against impending quantum threats. His assertion follows growing concerns over ECDSA vulnerabilities.

Industry experts are divided, with leaders like Adam Back disputing immediate threats, estimating quantum risks to Bitcoin as decades away. However, developer discussions on platforms like GitHub reveal concern over ECDSA’s future security. Back has stated, “Quantum machines that can threaten Bitcoin are likely decades away — he has cited a figure near 20 years” (source).

Anatoly Yakovenko’s call for upgrading has sparked financial and technological discourse. While no immediate institutional moves are documented, developer circles and governance forums are increasingly debating quantum-resistant solutions. Yakovenko expressed, “I feel 50/50 within five years, there is a quantum breakthrough… We should migrate Bitcoin to a quantum-resistant signature scheme” (source).

Bitcoin’s past upgrades, like Segwit (2017) and Taproot (2021), showed potential for divisive network debates. Similar challenges could arise as Bitcoin contemplates quantum-resistant transitions.

Experts foresee contentious debates comparable to past forks, highlighting trust issues if Bitcoin’s transition isn’t seamless. Historical reactions, like those to previous forks, offer lessons for upcoming quantum challenges. David Carvalho, founder and chief scientist at Naoris Protocol, noted, “Quantum computers have become so advanced that they could plausibly rip through Bitcoin’s cryptography within even less than five years’ time” (source).