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- DARPA’s QBI advances 11 companies to test utility-scale quantum computing.
- Cardano’s Midnight layer shifts to lattice-based cryptography for quantum safety.
- Hoskinson stresses urgency: “Adapt or get cracked” against future quantum threats.
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson took to a weekend update from a Wyoming clinic to push the quantum computing debate into actionable territory. Highlighting DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), Hoskinson framed it as a turning point for the tech: “Finally, finally, finally, we have an objective source of truth.” As of November 6, 2025, DARPA has advanced 11 companies into Stage B of QBI, a multi-stage plan designed to verify if quantum computing can reach utility-scale operation by 2033.
DARPA’s Multi-Stage Quantum Plan
Hoskinson broke down QBI’s rigorous framework: Stage A lasts six months, testing companies’ concepts; Stage B, a year-long review, scrutinizes their designs; Stage C involves government-verified hardware trials on real-world problems. He listed the 11 Stage B companies—IBM, IonQ, Quantinuum, Atom Computing, Nord Quantique, Photonic, Quantum Motion, QA Computing, Silicon Quantum Computing, and Xanadu—highlighting that there is no single canonical approach to quantum computing. Strategies include neutral atoms, silicon chips, superconducting circuits, trapped ions, and photon-based systems.
Cardano Prepares for a Quantum Era
Hoskinson stressed the implications for cryptocurrencies. Quantum computers running Grover’s or Shor’s algorithms could threaten mainstream digital assets if countermeasures aren’t adopted. He outlined proactive defenses, including the US NIST standards FIPS 203–206. On Cardano’s privacy layer, Midnight, Hoskinson announced a major upgrade: shifting PlonK and Halo 2 to lattice-based cryptography under a new framework called Nightstream. This “moonshot” project aims to make Cardano resistant to quantum attacks well before 2033.
Also Read: Zcash Surges 1,431% — Could Cardano’s Midnight Project Follow Suit?
Post-Quantum Strategy and Beyond
Beyond encryption, Hoskinson emphasized system-wide resilience. Midnight will function as a folding and recursion engine capable of generating post-quantum state proofs across major blockchains, from Bitcoin to Solana. The approach allows leveraging existing AI-capable GPUs for proof verification, avoiding costly custom chips. Key checkpoints include post-quantum VRFs, VDFs, and random number generation. His bottom line: “Adapt or get cracked.”
Hoskinson’s update signals that Cardano is taking a proactive stance in preparing for quantum computing. With DARPA validating approaches and Cardano designing post-quantum defenses, the era of quantum-proof blockchains is no longer theoretical—it’s becoming operational.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m your translator between the financial Old World and the new frontier of crypto. After a career demystifying economics and markets, I enjoy elucidating crypto – from investment risks to earth-shaking potential. Let’s explore!
