With the Quantum Threat Imminent, Could Bitcoin Split Over Satoshi’s Coins?

Summary

Alex Pruden, CEO and co-founder of Project Eleven, explains why quantum computing is an urgent threat to Bitcoin and all crypto. He details how Shor's algorithm could expose private keys, why roughly 35-40% of Bitcoin is already vulnerable, how chain designs differ, and why post-quantum migration would be an enormous lift-and-shift. He also discusses Project Eleven's tools, Ethereum and Solana positioning, and the divisive possibility of a Bitcoin fork over Satoshi's coins.

• Alex Pruden of Project Eleven argues quantum timelines are uncertain but could be as close as five years.
• Shor's algorithm could recover private keys from exposed public keys, threatening Bitcoin and other crypto networks.
• Around 35-40% of Bitcoin is estimated to be under exposed public keys, including Satoshi-era coins, exchanges, and bridges.
• Ethereum and Solana face different quantum exposures, but smart-contract chains may be able to implement post-quantum cryptography at wallet or contract level.
• Post-quantum migration would require every protocol, smart contract, wallet, and asset to move or be redeployed.
• Satoshi's coins create a divisive governance question that Pruden believes could lead to a Bitcoin fork.
• Project Eleven is building migration and wallet infrastructure to help crypto become quantum-resilient.