Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has unveiled a multi-phase plan designed to shield the network from future quantum computing threats, emphasizing that security upgrades must not come at the cost of crippling performance.
Key Takeaways
Cardano plans a phased shift to post-quantum cryptography.
Charles Hoskinson warns early adoption could slow the network significantly.
A new proof chain will secure historical data with post-quantum signatures.
Midnight launches March 2026 with privacy tech backed by Google Cloud.
Speaking about the long-term trajectory of blockchain cryptography, Hoskinson argued that while quantum risks are real, they are frequently exaggerated. According to him, prematurely switching to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) could slow Cardano by as much as tenfold if implemented without proper hardware acceleration.
Instead, the network is preparing a gradual transition strategy that prioritizes resilience without sacrificing scalability.
Proof Chain and Post-Quantum Signatures
A central element of Cardano’s roadmap is the introduction of an independent “proof chain.” This verification layer is intended to secure historical transactions using advanced cryptographic techniques.
The proof chain will incorporate Mithril certificates along with post-quantum signatures, ensuring that past ledger data remains verifiable even in a future where quantum computers could potentially break classical cryptography. The approach effectively separates long-term archival security from day-to-day transaction throughput.
Hoskinson indicated that Cardano is leaning toward lattice-based cryptographic systems for its PQC migration. This contrasts with Ethereum, which has explored hash-based alternatives in its own research discussions.
The network also plans to align its cryptographic standards with those finalized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology in 2024, ensuring compatibility with globally recognized PQC frameworks.
BREAKING NEWS
CARDANO IS GOING POST-QUANTUM WITH GOOGLE & MICROSOFT???@IOHK_Charles says Cardano is working alongside Google, Linux, and Microsoft Research on Nightstream, a cutting-edge post-quantum cryptography project.
Built on advanced lattice-based crypto, the… pic.twitter.com/gZ0XnWUUXn
— Mintern (@MinswapIntern) February 13, 2026
Quantum Risk Timeline and the 2033 Benchmark
Despite the strategic preparations, Hoskinson maintains that quantum computing does not pose an immediate threat to blockchain networks.
He frequently references the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative led by DARPA as a key milestone. In his view, practical, utility-scale quantum machines capable of compromising mainstream cryptographic systems are unlikely before the 2030s. He has pointed to 2033 as a meaningful benchmark for evaluating whether quantum capabilities are approaching real-world impact levels.
Because of this timeline, Cardano’s transition will unfold in stages. Early components, such as the proof chain architecture, could appear within the next few years. A complete network-wide migration, however, will depend on advancements in hardware acceleration that can handle the heavier computational demands of PQC without degrading performance.
Midnight Mainnet Launch Approaches
Closely tied to Cardano’s broader cryptographic evolution is Midnight, its privacy-focused partner chain.
Midnight is scheduled to launch its mainnet in the final week of March 2026. The network leverages zero-knowledge proofs, specifically ZK-SNARKs, to enable selective disclosure – allowing users to prove compliance without exposing sensitive data.
The project is also working with Google Cloud to support infrastructure and confidential computing capabilities, signaling an effort to blend privacy innovation with enterprise-grade reliability.
Together, the post-quantum roadmap and the Midnight rollout highlight Cardano’s long-term positioning strategy: prepare for future technological shifts while maintaining present-day network efficiency.
