Algorand to adopt post-quantum crypto by end of 2027

Algorand Foundation unveiled a roadmap to equip its blockchain with post-quantum cryptography across user accounts, wallets, custody systems and the consensus mechanism by the end of 2027. The plan includes native Falcon-1024 accounts and hybrid signatures that combine conventional and quantum-resistant signatures.

The foundation set initial implementation milestones for 2026, with a phased rollout designed to let developers, wallets and custodians migrate in stages. Pilot features and initial upgrades are expected in 2026, with broad deployment targeted for late 2027.

On the account level, Algorand will add native support for Falcon, a post-quantum digital signature algorithm, and offer hybrid accounts that require both traditional and post-quantum signatures. The roadmap calls for upgrades to multisignature wallets and institutional custody systems so custodians can manage keys that include quantum-resistant options.

At the protocol level, the foundation plans to develop a quantum-resistant replacement for the randomness generator used to select validators and is exploring alternatives to signature schemes that expose public keys.

Bruno Martins, Algorand Foundation chief technology officer, wrote that the organization has researched quantum risk for several years and intends a measured rollout, with milestones beginning in 2026 and broad deployment targeted for the end of 2027. ‘The Foundation does not surrender to alarmism,’ Martins wrote.

The announcement follows planning by other major blockchain projects and ongoing post-quantum research by technology companies. France’s cybersecurity agency has said it will stop certifying products that lack quantum-safe encryption beginning in 2027 and recommends buying only quantum-resistant products by 2030.

The roadmap identifies open questions for migration, including how to handle funds whose owners do not move to quantum-safe addresses. Industry groups have proposed migration frameworks and mechanisms that could isolate or freeze addresses that remain unupgraded.

The Algorand token rose earlier this year after public discussion of the network’s post-quantum work.

Implementation is expected to begin in 2026, with the goal of completing deployment across accounts, custody and consensus by the end of 2027.