Ethlabs, the nonprofit Ethereum research lab founded by former Ethereum Foundation researchers, has withdrawn its proposal to shorten block times from Hegota. The group named its new priority "pqai27," a target to make the network resistant to quantum computers and AI-driven attacks by 2027. This move frees up resources previously allocated to quick-slots development, which would have cut block times from 12 seconds to 10 seconds as a first step. Core developers have yet to formally adopt this shift, though changing Hegota’s scope requires agreement on All Core Devs calls.
Cryptography Over Speed
The lab argues that both quantum and AI threats point to the same fix: cryptography built on hash functions. Conor Deegan, CTO of Project Eleven, noted that focusing on post-quantum migration inherently focuses on post-AI migration as well. The post cites the US government pulling its quantum-risk goal from 2035 to 2030 and Google aiming to be post-quantum by 2029. Justin Drake, an EF researcher, said at Devcon that the hope is to wrap up the full transition by December 2028. However, the plan faces friction because FOCIL, a censorship-resistance feature slated as a Hegota headliner, must be scheduled in a way that keeps 2027 achievable. Whether to make Gasper post-quantum or switch to a new design remains unresolved according to the post.
Implementation Details
Ethlabs splits the goal into two stages, starting with a "pqai-ready" Ethereum that runs at Glamsterdam capacity. Frames, an account upgrade carrying a post-quantum signature scheme, stays on the critical path. The lab urged developers to hold off on a Glamsterdam decision until audits of possible contract breakage are done. While the withdrawal reverses the September push for EIP 8198, the lab still backs the idea and will work towards quicker slots in 2028. This strategic pivot prioritizes security over performance metrics, acknowledging that faster blocks do not mitigate existential cryptographic risks.
