Solana Co-Founder Warns of Quantum Computing Threat
At the All-In Summit, Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko highlighted a major challenge for blockchain: quantum computing. He warned that breakthroughs could soon threaten current cryptography.
Yakovenko said, “Honest answer, I feel like 50/50 within 5 years, there is a quantum breakthrough.” He stressed the need to prepare quantum-resistant systems. “We should migrate Bitcoin to a quantum-resistant signature scheme,” he added.
This shows the crypto industry faces uncertainty. Quantum computers could break digital signatures used today. Solana’s team is already exploring ways to protect its network. Staying ahead of these risks will be crucial for major crypto projects.
Bitcoin, Layer 1s, and Layer 2s Explained
Yakovenko explained how different blockchains serve different purposes:
- Bitcoin is the safest for sending and holding money.
- Ethereum enables building apps and smart contracts.
- Layer 2 solutions like Arbitrum and Optimism improve Ethereum’s speed and reduce costs.
These layers work together to keep crypto secure, fast, and usable.
Solana’s Position and Future Outlook
Yakovenko described Solana as an execution layer, unlike Ethereum, which he called mainly a settlement layer. Solana is built for speed and can handle tens of thousands of transactions per second without sacrificing security.
He said, “We designed Solana to handle tens of thousands of transactions per second without compromising security.” This makes Solana suitable for large apps and institutional projects.
Yakovenko also noted trends like tokenizing real-world assets and projects connecting creators directly with fans. On regulation, he expressed cautious optimism: “Once we have enough clarity, it could totally happen.”
Overall, Yakovenko emphasized the need for blockchain networks to stay adaptable amid quantum risks, regulatory changes, and new use cases. He praised Bitcoin’s stability and Ethereum’s role but highlighted Solana’s focus on speed and scalability.
