Bitcoin Completes First Quantum-Resistant Transaction, says StarkWare

A StarkWare researcher has completed the first quantum resistant transaction on the Bitcoin mainnet, in block 964,199. The test shows BTC can be moved with quantum-resistant protection without changing Bitcoin’s current rules.

However, the breakthrough comes with a major drawback, as the process can cost around $150 to $200 per transaction, making it far too expensive for everyday Bitcoin users.

StarkWare Moves Quantum-Safe Bitcoin on Mainnet

On 26 August, StarkWare researcher Avihu Levy developed the Quantum Safe Bitcoin (QSB) method and successfully tested it on the live Bitcoin network. 

The transaction was confirmed in Bitcoin block 964,199 and involved a 10,000-satoshi output

Levy first published the QSB research in April 2026. The main idea is to protect Bitcoin from a future quantum computer that could break the cryptography used by normal BTC transactions.

StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson said the test gives Bitcoin holders a safety option before a permanent network upgrade is made.

“What today’s successful transaction offers Bitcoin is a reassurance that holdings can be protected before that happens.”

How The Transaction Was Done Under Bitcoin’s Current Rules

Bitcoin currently relies on elliptic curve cryptography that could eventually be broken by powerful quantum computers. StarkWare’s QSB method uses hash based security instead.