What is BTQ?

BTQ (Bitcoin Quantum) is a proof-of-work blockchain forked from Bitcoin Core that implements quantum-resistant cryptography. It maintains Bitcoin's proven security model while protecting against future quantum computer attacks.

The Problem

Bitcoin and most cryptocurrencies use ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) for transaction signing. While secure against today's computers, ECDSA is vulnerable to quantum computers:

• Shor's Algorithm can break ECDSA in polynomial time
• Quantum computers are advancing rapidly
• "Harvest now, decrypt later" attacks are already possible
• Once quantum computers are powerful enough, all ECDSA-protected funds are at risk

The Solution

BTQ replaces ECDSA with Dilithium, a post-quantum signature scheme:

• Selected by NIST for standardization (FIPS 204)
• Based on lattice cryptography (not vulnerable to Shor's algorithm)
• Proven secure against both classical and quantum attacks
• Fast verification (actually faster than ECDSA)

Key Features

Built on Bitcoin

BTQ is a fork of Bitcoin Core, inheriting:

• 15+ years of battle-tested code
• Proof-of-Work consensus (SHA-256 mining)
• UTXO model for transaction tracking
• Decentralized peer-to-peer network
• Open source development

Quantum Resistance

BTQ adds protection against quantum attacks:

• Dilithium signatures for transaction authorization
• New address formats for quantum-safe addresses
• Extended script system with quantum-resistant opcodes
• Backward compatibility with ECDSA for migration

Familiar Architecture

If you know Bitcoin, you know BTQ:

How It Works

Transaction Flow

1. Create Transaction: Specify inputs (UTXOs) and outputs
2. Sign with Dilithium: Use quantum-resistant signature
3. Broadcast: Send to peer-to-peer network
4. Validation: Nodes verify Dilithium signatures
5. Mining: Miners include in blocks via Proof-of-Work
6. Confirmation: Transaction confirmed after block inclusion

Network Architecture

┌─────────────┐     ┌─────────────┐     ┌─────────────┐
│  Full Node  │────│  Full Node  │────│  Full Node  │
│  (Validator)│     │  (Miner)    │     │  (Validator)│
└─────────────┘     └─────────────┘     └─────────────┘
      │                   │                   │
      └───────────────────┼───────────────────┘
                          │
                    P2P Network

Why Fork Bitcoin?

Bitcoin Core is the most secure and well-tested blockchain codebase:

1. Security: 15+ years without a critical vulnerability
2. Decentralization: Proven resistance to attacks
3. Simplicity: UTXO model is easier to audit than account-based systems
4. Community: Large developer ecosystem
5. Compatibility: Familiar tools, wallets, and infrastructure

Network Details

Current Status

BTQ is under active development:

Getting Started

• Installation Guide - Build and run BTQ Core
• Blockchain Basics - Learn how blockchains work
• The Quantum Threat - Understand why quantum resistance matters
• Dilithium Overview - Deep dive into our cryptography