Post-quantum cryptography advances in digital identity and blockchain

Developments in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) are moving from theoretical research toward practical implementation across digital identity and blockchain sectors.

The Chips Joint Undertaking is funding the uPQComing project, which involves Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) working to integrate PQC into the resource-constrained embedded secure elements used in modern identity cards. The project aims to create quantum-resistant identity card operating systems by adapting authentication methods and developing crypto-agile architectures that can be updated as quantum threats evolve. G+D is currently prototyping these approaches within a Java Card chip operating system.

In the blockchain space, QuFi Network Limited has launched the QuFi Platform, a post-quantum verification layer designed to function atop existing infrastructure. The company demonstrated the platform using Bitcoin’s Testnet4, successfully managing a synthetic token through a full lifecycle without requiring changes to Bitcoin’s underlying protocol. The platform utilizes NIST-standardized algorithms, including ML-DSA-65, SLH-DSA, and ML-KEM-1024, to decouple verification from settlement, allowing multiple networks to share a single quantum-resistant layer.