Solana adopts Falcon for post-quantum signatures, publishes code

Two Solana validator client teams, Anza and Firedancer, selected the Falcon post-quantum signature scheme, published working implementations on their GitHub repositories and outlined a three-stage roadmap to move wallets to post-quantum cryptography if quantum computing becomes a credible threat.

The teams arrived at Falcon independently after evaluating options for a compact, high-throughput signature scheme suited to Solana’s transaction volume. Both groups posted research notes and initial implementations to their public repositories so other developers can review and test the code.

Solana’s statement frames the work as proactive engineering rather than an urgent change. The network’s developers note that quantum machines capable of breaking widely used digital signatures remain a future risk, and the current cryptographic setup does not face an immediate threat.

The published roadmap has three phases. The first phase continues research and evaluation of Falcon and any alternatives. The second phase would move newly created wallets to the chosen post-quantum scheme if quantum advances present a credible threat. The final phase would migrate existing wallets to the post-quantum signature method. Developers report they do not expect a meaningful performance impact on the network during these phases.

Solana’s ecosystem already runs some post-quantum tooling. Blueshift’s Solana Winternitz Vault has been live for more than two years and provides a direct post-quantum option for users. Google Quantum AI referenced the Winternitz Vault in a 2025 white paper as an example of deployed post-quantum work on a major blockchain.

The Solana Foundation has not set a date to start any part of the migration. Current guidance focuses on monitoring developments in quantum computing, continuing tests, improving implementations and maintaining readiness so the network can move quickly if required.

Developers say the availability of tested implementations should shorten the time from any decision to deploy and reduce operational uncertainty. The public code gives node operators, wallet teams and other projects concrete tools to review and integrate while broader migration planning remains tied to advances in quantum computing.