Founded in 2024, Project 11 is an applied research lab at the intersection of quantum computing and cryptography. In an era where Bitcoin and other digital assets face potential threats from quantum computers, the project aims to develop tools that preserve digital ownership. Backed by $6M in seed funding from Variant Fund and Quantonation, Project 11 focuses on both short-term compatible solutions (Yellowpages) and long-term quantum-native systems.
Table of Contents
- What is Project 11
- Technologies and Architecture of the Project
- Funding and Partnerships
- Key Initiatives of Project 11
- Community and Ecosystem
- Conclusion
1. What is Project 11
Project 11 is a research organization bringing together cryptographers, quantum physicists, and blockchain engineers to create solutions resilient to quantum threats. Led by Alex Pruden, the team develops infrastructure without issuing its own token, focusing on security and resilience.
The project implements a dual strategy: on one hand, off-chain protections for Bitcoin users (secure signatures and key migrations), and on the other, quantum-native protocols such as certified randomness generation and secure identity frameworks. These technologies address current challenges while preparing for the future of post-quantum security.
2. Technologies and Architecture of the Project
At its core, Project 11 builds technological solutions to safeguard digital infrastructure from emerging quantum threats. Unlike most crypto startups, it does not issue a token but prioritizes fundamental security and next-gen infrastructure. The focus spans practical off-chain tools and quantum-native protocols for distributed systems.
Key technologies include:
- Yellowpages – an off-chain registry linking Bitcoin keys to quantum-secure ones, with timestamps and privacy-preserving mechanisms.
- Q‑Day Prize – a 1 BTC reward for successfully executing a quantum attack on ECC keys, serving as a benchmark for real-world quantum threats.
- Quantum-native infrastructure – research in distributed key management, certified randomness generation, and secure cryptographic financial systems.
- Q‑Day Clock – a public countdown timer visualizing the approach of quantum threats and encouraging the migration to more resilient algorithms.
All components are developed as open-source in Rust and TypeScript, ensuring transparency and adherence to high security standards. This architecture enables Project 11 to serve both current needs and long-term cryptographic evolution for the post-quantum era.
3. Funding and Partnerships
In June 2025, Project 11 announced the successful closing of a $6 million funding round. The round was led by Variant Fund and Quantonation — one of the few VC firms focused specifically on quantum technologies. Other participants included Castle Island Ventures, Formation Capital, and Nebular, demonstrating strong support from both crypto-native and science-focused investors.
Funding is directed toward several strategic areas:
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Yellowpages Development | Accelerating the implementation of the protocol linking Bitcoin keys with quantum-secure addresses. |
| Team Expansion | Hiring top-tier experts in post-quantum cryptography and blockchain infrastructure to strengthen the core engineering team. |
| Bitcoin Ecosystem Integration | Deepening collaboration with developers and stakeholders to co-create compatible, practical solutions. |
| Standards and Outreach | Contributing to global security standards and participating in cryptographic research initiatives worldwide. |
The team is led by CEO Alex Pruden — a former military analyst and cryptographer known for his work at Aleo. Key engineers include Conor Deegan (experienced in zk-SNARKs and cryptographic protocols), alongside advisors from PQShield, Ephos, and Oxford University, bringing academic and industrial expertise in secure systems.
These partnerships enable Project 11 to operate at the intersection of theory and real-world deployment, reinforcing its leadership in the emerging field of post-quantum blockchain infrastructure.
4. Key Initiatives of Project 11
Project 11 is building a bridge between today's crypto infrastructure and tomorrow’s quantum-resistant standards. As classical cryptography becomes increasingly vulnerable, the project addresses the issue on multiple fronts — through both practical tools and education. The goal is not just technological migration but also the cultivation of a responsible security culture across Web3.
Main initiatives include:
- Yellowpages – A registry for quantum-compatible Bitcoin addresses.
- Q‑Day Prize – A bounty for quantum decryption of ECC keys using Shor’s algorithm.
- PQ‑Address Libraries – Rust and TypeScript libraries for generating post-quantum addresses.
- Educational Content – Articles and materials on PQ cryptography, Shor’s algorithm, and real-world implications.
- Q‑Day Clock – A public countdown tool indicating the progression toward quantum computational capability.
These initiatives form a layered strategy — from reducing immediate risks for Bitcoin users to developing long-term quantum-native financial protocols. This positions Project 11 as a critical link between legacy blockchain systems and the quantum-secure future.
5. Community and Ecosystem
Project 11 builds its community around education and applied cryptographic research. It maintains active presence on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and GitHub, and hosts events with organizations like USV and Nebular.
Open repositories such as PQ‑Addresses and Yellowpages foster collaboration, transparency, and public audit. This aligns with the project's mission to deliver trustworthy and verifiable tools.
Beyond digital engagement, Project 11 forges ties with academic institutions and cybersecurity professionals. The emphasis on open-source contributions and developer education not only builds trust but also supports a growing technical ecosystem able to scale and extend quantum-resilient solutions. In this way, the project connects users, engineers, and researchers in the shared goal of protecting Web3 from quantum threats.
6. Conclusion
Project 11 is poised to become a pivotal force in safeguarding digital assets against quantum computing. By creating tools that protect today’s systems and pioneering quantum-native protocols, the project delivers a layered, future-proof security framework for Bitcoin and beyond.
With backing from leading investors, a world-class team, and a transparent, open-source development approach, Project 11 exemplifies a balanced and forward-thinking response to one of Web3’s most urgent challenges.
Its focus on real risk, technical clarity, and global collaboration allows Project 11 to move beyond theory and into actionable, scalable post-quantum resilience. As the quantum era draws closer, such initiatives are not just relevant — they are essential.
