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Project Eleven Challenges Quantum Devs to Break ECC for 1 BTC
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The QDay Prize is offering a single Bitcoin to anyone who can break elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). The challenge requires using only a quantum computer.
The contest is open until April 5, 2026, and there’s just one rule: no shortcuts. Only pure, verifiable quantum code for a chance to win 1 BTC.
What’s at Stake: Cracking the Core of Modern Security
Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is everywhere. It secures Bitcoin wallets, HTTPS websites, encrypted messages, and even government systems. Its strength lies in mathematical efficiency. A 256-bit ECC key offers the same level of security as a 3,072-bit RSA key, but with much less computing power.
Classical computers would take lifetimes to break ECC. Quantum computers? In theory, they could break it in hours, thanks to Shor’s algorithm. Developed in 1994, this quantum method solves ECC’s math much faster than classical approaches. That’s the crux of the QDay Prize: prove that theory with real quantum hardware.
NEW: Quantum computing research firm Project Eleven is offering 1 $BTC to whoever cracks the longest Bitcoin key using a quantum computer within the next year.
The ‘Q-Day Prize’ competition aims to quantify the current quantum threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography and accelerate… pic.twitter.com/M5SMo8vjIx
— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) April 17, 2025
According to quantum insider, participants are asked to implement Shor’s algorithm. The idea is to solve the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem (ECDLP). Submissions must show working code, a clear explanation, and full transparency on the hardware used. Even cracking a 3-bit key would mark a breakthrough.
Quantum Progress, Real-World Stakes
Quantum computing is advancing quickly. While today’s quantum systems are small and noisy, major players like IBM, Google, and IonQ are pushing boundaries. According to researchers, around 2,000 error-corrected qubits might be enough to break a 256-bit ECC key — a goal that could be within reach by the early 2030s.
The urgency is clear. Governments are already preparing. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is developing new encryption standards designed to resist quantum attacks. But so far, no one has broken ECC in the wild — not even close.
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April 18, 2025 at 06:19AM
April 18, 2025 at 06:20AM
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