Project Eleven: Building a Quantum-Safe World for Blockchain

 

What Is Project Eleven?

Project Eleven is an applied quantum computing lab dedicated to protecting digital assets and blockchain systems from future quantum threats. It is not associated with any tokens or cryptocurrencies; instead, it develops practical tools to enhance security using post-quantum cryptography.

Core Focus & Technology

• Quantum-Resilient Tools
  Their flagship project “Yellowpages” is an off-chain registry that links Bitcoin addresses to post-quantum keys—without on-chain transactions. This allows Bitcoin users to upgrade to quantum-secure credentials without altering their on-chain footprint 

• PQ Address Framework
  Project Eleven’s “PQ Address” system uses a versioned, algorithm-agnostic format that supports multiple post-quantum signature schemes (e.g., lattice- and hash-based algorithms), anticipating future NIST standards

• Open Source Deployment
  Implemented in Rust and TypeScript (Rust crate pq-address-rs and npm library @project-eleven/pq-address), their tools are MIT-licensed and publicly accessible for integration and review 

Q-Day Prize: Quantum Threat Awareness

To benchmark the looming threat, Project Eleven launched the Q‑Day Prize, offering 1 BTC (~$84,000) to any individual or team that cracks part of a Bitcoin ECDSA key using Shor’s algorithm on a quantum computer by April 5, 2026

• The project estimates that over 6 million BTC (around $500 billion) are potentially exposed due to public key reuse

• Most realistic breakpoints may happen when quantum hardware reaches approximately 2,000 logical qubits—a milestone expected within the next decade 

Why Project Eleven Matters

• Prepares Blockchain for the Quantum Era
  By encouraging rigorous assessment of ECC resilience and testing practical attacks, the Q‑Day Prize helps quantify the real risks facing Bitcoin and other ECC-based systems.

• Supports Transition to Post-Quantum Security
  The Yellowpages and PQ address frameworks provide a user-friendly, upgradeable path toward quantum-safe public key infrastructure—without on-chain migration or hard forks.

• Bridges Tech & Cryptocurrency Ecosystems
  Their open-source solutions, enterprise engagement, and public challenge foster better cooperation between quantum computing experts and blockchain communities 

Roadmap & Funding

• Seed Funding: Raised $6 million to finance R&D and expand team capabilities .

• Public Bulletins: Regular updates map progress, share findings about Bitcoin cryptography, and widen outreach with fortnightly research reports .

• Integration Pipeline:

  • Phase 1 tools (Yellowpages, PQ Address libraries)

  • Phase 2: partnerships with wallets, custodians, and exchanges

  • Phase 3: adoption by major chains and post-quantum upgrades

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Conclusion

Project Eleven is pioneering the practical defense of blockchains against future quantum computing threats. Unlike speculative cryptos, its mission is foundational: enabling post-quantum address upgrades, conducting real cryptographic experiments, and providing shared tools to secure the next generation of digital assets. For anyone serious about the long-term integrity of decentralized systems, Project Eleven is a key component of quantum-safe readiness.