Future-Proofing Real-World AI: IoTeX’s Long-Term Vision for Post-Quantum Security

At IoTeX, we have always believed that enabling the decentralized machine economy cannot exist without absolute security. While the broader crypto industry is now grappling with the looming "quantum threat," IoTeX has been anticipating and preparing for this shift for years.

Quantum computing promises to redefine the boundaries of what is possible, but it also poses a fundamental risk to cryptographic foundations, such as ECDSA and RSA, that secure almost every modern blockchain. IoTeX isn’t just watching this happen – we are leading the defense.

IoTeX's Quantum-Related Research Contributions

Our journey into post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is anchored by the foundational research of our Head of Research, Dr. Xinxin Fan. Recognizing that the transition to quantum-safe standards would be one of the most significant migrations in digital history, Dr. Fan has spearheaded efforts over the past five years to ensure that the IoTeX Network, as well as the broader blockchain industry, remains resilient.

Our commitment to Post-Quantum Security (PQS) is backed by tangible, high-impact contributions that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world implementation:

1. Award-Winning Research at ICBC 2024

Academic validation is the bedrock of trust. Our research paper, "Enabling a Smooth Migration Towards Post-Quantum Security for Ethereum," was honored with the Best Paper Award at ICBC 2024. This research addresses the critical vulnerability of current ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signing Algorithm)-based digital signatures to quantum computing, which endangers the security of millions of users' assets and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus protocols. Our work presents two innovative proposals for a seamless transition:

• Encapsulation: Introducing a new Ethereum transaction type that utilizes quantum-safe zero-knowledge proofs.
• Scalability: Enhancing system performance through proof aggregation and zero-knowledge rollups.

By requiring only minimal changes to existing validator and client software, this framework achieves exceptional backward compatibility. Our initial evaluations on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform have already demonstrated significant improvements in proof generation timing and sizes, providing a practical roadmap for deploying quantum-resistant standards without disrupting network stability.

2. Global Recognition at ETSI/IQC 2026

The top-tier Global Standards and Research Bodies are taking serious notice of our advancements. We are honored to announce that our latest research has been accepted for the poster sessions at the prestigious ETSI/IQC Quantum-Safe Cryptography Conference 2026, scheduled for June 16–18 in Ottawa.

As detailed in the official conference agenda, our work—"Performing Post-Quantum Transactions on IoTeX (an EVM-compatible Blockchain)"—will be presented alongside pioneering research from global industry leaders like Huawei and esteemed academic institutions such as the National University of Singapore.

This recognition from ETSI and IQC validates IoTeX's leadership in Cryptographic Agility. By contributing to these global standards, we are ensuring our architecture remains a foundational and future-proof component of the next-generation digital infrastructure.

3. Defining Industry Standards via EIP-7693

We believe in securing the entire blockchain industry, not just our own network. IoTeX is leading the charge with EIP-7693, a critical proposal designed to facilitate backward-compatible post-quantum migration for Ethereum-compatible blockchains.

This proposal introduces a sophisticated solution for integrating post-quantum signature schemes into the blockchain while maintaining full compatibility with existing ECDSA standards. By targeting integration with quantum-safe zero-knowledge proof systems, such as zkSTARK or MPC-in-the-Head, this standard ensures the long-term security of transactions against quantum attacks without requiring immediate, disruptive upgrades to existing infrastructure. By championing these seamless transition standards, we are helping protect billions of assets across the entire EVM-compatible world.

IoTeX's Post-Quantum Future Starts Today

Research reaches its full potential when applied. We have successfully moved beyond theoretical frameworks by deploying the SPP (Secure Privacy-Preserving) Wallet on the IoTeX Testnet. This initiative was showcased at the ni-blockchain seminar, featuring a live demonstration of how the SPP Wallet executes quantum-secure transactions on the IoTeX blockchain. This functional proof-of-concept proves that quantum-safe infrastructure is no longer a future concept—it is a tangible reality ready for secure digital asset management today.

As quantum technology redefines the boundaries of cryptography, the stakes for the machine economy couldn't be higher. From autonomous vehicles to smart city infrastructure, the data generated by billions of devices must remain tamper-proof for decades to come. At IoTeX, we aren't just building for the next market cycle, but for the next century. By integrating post-quantum security today, we are ensuring that the decentralized future remains resilient, trusted, and future-proof.