Galaxy Digital pledged up to $5 million on July 21 to support Bitcoin's preparation for potential quantum computing threats. The funding will back developers, research projects, and a new Quantum Advisory Council.
The initiative targets review of quantum-resistant transaction proposals, integration of post-quantum signatures, security audits, and tools for software and institutional migration. Quantum computers cannot yet crack Bitcoin’s signature security, but the program aims to advance work before any threat materializes.
Bitcoin upgrades require years of coordination among developers, miners, wallets, exchanges, custodians, and users. Funding can accelerate specific workstreams, though the network’s decentralized governance determines final design and adoption timelines.
Draft proposals such as BIP 360 and BIP 361 outline possible approaches, including new output types and multi-year transition phases. These remain under discussion and have not been adopted.
Broader efforts include NIST post-quantum standards finalized in 2024 and a federal directive for government systems to adopt such signatures by the end of 2031.
