Can the quantitative computing break bitcoin? Eleven project puts it in the test

Project Eleven, a quantum computing research organization, has announced the Q-Day-a global challenge that offers Bitcoin 1 to the first or individual team that can use the Shor algorithm on the quantum computer to break a portion of the ECC Curve key (ECC).

The competition started on April 16, 2025, and will continue until April 5, 2026. The main goal is to assess the real risks posed by the quantum computing of encryption security in Bitcoin. The challenge specifically aims to the algorithm of the digital signing of the Ecdsa.

Global quantum challenge

According to the project tweetMore than 10 million bitcoin headlines have been exposed to general keys, which are likely to put an estimated 6.2 million BTC companies, at a value of $ 500 billion, at risk if quantum computing capabilities continue to progress. The Q-Day Prize aims to convey the discussion on quantum threats that exceed theoretical speculation by encouraging a process of weakness.

Participants should only run the Shor algorithm on a quantum computer, without the help of classic computing methods. Even breaking a few parts of the Bitcoin key will qualify as a concept valid evidence and can indicate that the main main recovery is reasonable with future technological improvements. Eleven project stated that no ECC key has been cracked in the real world yet.

The initiative comes amid remarkable progress in the quantum computing sector. For example, Google “Willow” recently conducted a five -minute account that would take traditional giant computers an estimated September 10.

Other companies, including IBM, Amazon, and Microsoft, have also made progress in quantum devices, and access to quantum processors are increasingly available through cloud services. Psiquantum, another main player in this field, collected $ 750 million in early 2025, citing developments in the design of optical chips and improvements to quantum algorithms such as Shor’s.

While industry experts do not consider the quantum threat to Bitcoin imminent, the project initiative 11 seeks to determine these risks through open experimentation.

The large quantitative discussion

Quantitative computing discussion is not new. Earlier this year, Cryptoquant determined it as an emerging risk, especially in areas such as mining and private key protection. The discussion was equipped after the NIST report in November that some of the algorithms exposed to quantum attacks will be disposed of within five years.

Although some voices, such as “Bitcoin Isaiah” on X, are defending urgent preparation, others like Blockstream maintains Bitcoin’s encryption should carry firm until almost 2035.