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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.qbtc.net/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

QBTC is pre-mainnet. The protocol substrate (post-quantum consensus, ZK-gated claims, the UTXO mirror) is implemented and undergoing testing. Mainnet target: Q3 2026.

Component status

ComponentStatus
Post-quantum consensus (ML-DSA / FIPS 204)Built, in chain code
ZK PLONK claim verifier (on-chain)Built, in chain code
Bifrost sidecar + ebifrost block ingestionBuilt, in chain code
User claim mechanism (MsgClaimWithProof, batch up to 50 UTXOs)Built, in chain code
Reserve Module + validator emission formulaBuilt, in chain code
Cosmos x/gov governanceBuilt, in chain code
Genesis UTXO snapshot (utxo-indexer)Built, in chain code
Governance reclamation of dormant exposed-key BTC into ReserveActivated via governance after mainnet
Terminology:
  • Built — present in the chain code, ships at mainnet.
  • Activated via governance — the mechanism is part of QBTC’s tokenomics but is enacted through x/gov proposals after mainnet rather than enforced by automatic chain rules. The validator set sets the activation parameters (UTXO categories, cutoffs, dispute windows) through governance.

Governance reclamation of dormant exposed-key BTC

QBTC entitlements attached to quantum-vulnerable dormant Bitcoin UTXOs (P2PK outputs and reused-address outputs older than 17 years) are reclaimed from the claim mirror and credited to the Reserve Module on a roughly two-week voting cadence. This sustains validator emission and removes value from vulnerable circulation, redistributing it to a quantum-safe address. See Tokenomics for the full design.

Open research

  • Alternative post-quantum signature schemes as the cryptography landscape evolves.
  • Optimizations to the ZK claim circuit (proof size, generation time).
  • Cross-chain interactions with other quantum-safe ecosystems.

Out of scope

  • A bridge that locks BTC under a custodian or multisig. This would reintroduce custodial risk and would itself be quantum-vulnerable. See Why a Parallel Chain.
  • A fork of Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s chain is not touched.
  • A change to the 21M supply cap. The cap holds for all time.
Last modified on May 25, 2026