When Quantum Becomes Useful
IBM has publicly stated that 2026 will mark the first time a quantum computer will be able to outperform a classical computer—the point at which a quantum computer can solve a problem better than all classical-only methods. According to IBM, this milestone will unlock breakthroughs in drug development, materials science, financial optimization and more industries facing incredibly complex challenges.
This is a real inflection point—but not for breaking encryption. A quantum computer capable of breaking the encryption that secures the internet now seems to be just around the corner. Stunning revelations from two research teams outline how it could happen, with one suggesting that the current largest quantum machine is already more than halfway towards the size needed.
The contradiction: Quantum computers are becoming useful for narrow, high-value problems (drug discovery). They're also getting close to cracking current encryption. Both statements are true. Grayscale says bitcoin's quantum problem is governance, not engineering. The asset manager's research arm argues the technical path to quantum-safe blockchains is clear but reaching consensus on protocol changes, especially what to do with Satoshi's coins, is the real obstacle.
The implication: Crypto networks need to migrate to post-quantum cryptography now. Not in 2027. Now.
