Justin Drake outlines 'Lean Ethereum', a roadmap for a simpler, quantum-resistant protocol

Ethereum Foundation/Lean Ethereum

Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake introduced Lean Ethereum on July 31, 2025, a long-term roadmap to simplify the base protocol while preparing it for quantum threats. The framework emphasizes simplicity, security, and efficiency, with a central focus on transitioning to post-quantum signature schemes to defend against future quantum computing threats.

• Lean Ethereum aims for a streamlined, maintainable protocol by reducing complexity in validation, data storage, and security.
• Post-quantum signature schemes are the core defense: future quantum computers could break Ethereum's current cryptography.
• Drake captured the vision as 'Millions of TPS. Quantum adversaries...'—balancing extreme performance with long-term security.