ERC-21 PQ: Quantum-Resistant Token Standard

Securing digital ownership for the post-quantum era

The Problem

Quantum computers pose an existential threat to blockchain security. Current ECDSA signatures—the foundation of token ownership—can be broken by Shor's algorithm. When quantum computers reach sufficient scale, trillions in digital assets become vulnerable.

Our Solution

ERC-21 PQ introduces the first quantum-resistant token standard using STARK zero-knowledge proofs. Every transfer requires cryptographic proof that survives quantum attacks, ensuring ownership security for decades to come.

Key Features

🔐 Quantum-Resistant Proofs

• STARK-based verification: No trusted setup, cryptographically secure against quantum attacks
• On-chain proof verification: Every transfer validates a quantum-safe signature
• Backward compatible: Works with existing wallets via MetaMask Snap

🌐 Cross-Chain Architecture

• LayerZero OFT integration: Quantum-safe transfers across any EVM chain
• Multi-chain monitoring: Unified security across Ethereum, Base, and beyond
• Atomic cross-chain proofs: STARK verification travels with your tokens

📊 Real-Time Security Monitoring

• The Graph Protocol indexing: Instant event tracking across chains
• Amp SQL analytics: Query proof failures, detect quantum threats
• Canary system: Early warning for proof validation anomalies

🎯 Developer Experience

• MetaMask Snap: Generate quantum-safe proofs without leaving your browser
• Terminal UI: Hacker-friendly interface
• Full API: Build quantum-resistant dApps on solid foundations

Architecture

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                     ERC-21 PQ Token                         │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  On-Chain (Solidity)          │  Off-Chain (Cairo/TS)       │
│  • Token contract             │  • STARK proof generation   │
│  • Groth16/STARK verifiers    │  • MetaMask Snap            │
│  • LayerZero messaging        │  • React terminal UI        │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
              │                           │
              ▼                           ▼
     ┌─────────────────┐        ┌──────────────────┐
     │  The Graph      │        │  Graph Protocol  │
     │  Subgraphs      │───────▶│  Amp (SQL)       │
     └─────────────────┘        └──────────────────┘
              │
              ▼
     ┌─────────────────────────────────┐
     │  Quantum Canary Dashboard       │
     │  • Multi-chain monitoring       │
     │  • Proof failure analytics      │
     │  • Cross-chain security metrics │
     └─────────────────────────────────┘

Tech Stack

Layer	Technology	Purpose
Contracts	Solidity 0.8.28, Foundry	ERC-21 token implementation
ZK Proofs	Cairo, STARK	Quantum-resistant signatures
Cross-Chain	LayerZero V2	Omnichain token transfers
Indexing	The Graph, Amp	Event monitoring & SQL analytics
Frontend	React, Vite, Tailwind	Terminal-themed UI
Wallet	MetaMask Snap	Browser-based proof generation

Real-World Impact

Today

• Developers: Deploy quantum-safe tokens on any EVM chain
• Users: Protect high-value assets from future quantum threats
• Protocols: Upgrade critical infrastructure before it's too late

Tomorrow

• Standard migration path: ERC-20 → ERC-21 PQ wrapper contracts
• Institutional adoption: Post-quantum security for treasury management
• Regulatory compliance: Meet emerging quantum-safety requirements

Security Model

1. Proof Generation: User generates STARK proof of signature validity
2. On-Chain Verification: Contract validates proof before transfer
3. Failure Logging: Failed proofs emit events for monitoring
4. Cross-Chain Sync: LayerZero ensures proof validation across chains
5. Analytics Layer: The Graph + Amp provide SQL queryable security metrics

Why STARK?

• ✅ No trusted setup required
• ✅ Quantum-resistant hash functions (Poseidon)
• ✅ Transparent and verifiable
• ✅ Efficient recursive composition
• ✅ Battle-tested in production (StarkNet)

All core functionality tested:
- ✅ Quantum-safe transfers with valid proofs
- ✅ Rejection of invalid/replayed proofs
- ✅ Cross-chain messaging and proof validation
- ✅ Nonce management and replay protection
- ✅ Emergency fallback mechanisms

## Future Roadmap

- [ ] ERC-20 wrapper contracts (upgrade existing tokens)
- [ ] Multi-sig quantum-safe vaults
- [ ] Hardware wallet integration
- [ ] Mainnet deployment (Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum)
- [ ] Governance token transition to ERC-21 PQ

## Why This Matters

The quantum threat isn't hypothetical. Google's Willow chip demonstrates rapid progress toward cryptographically-relevant quantum computers. **The time to act is now, before quantum computers break ECDSA.**

ERC-21 PQ provides a migration path that protects value today while ensuring security tomorrow.


## Built With

- The Graph Protocol (Indexing & Amp SQL)
- LayerZero (Cross-chain messaging)
- StarkWare (STARK proof system)
- MetaMask (Snap platform)
- Foundry (Smart contract framework)

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**Status**: Hackathon Demo | **Network**: Tenderly Fork (Base) | **Version**: 0.1.0