IBM is preparing to deploy its Quantum System Two system with the latest 156-qubit Heron processor in the Indian city of Amaravati in September. This is not just another scientific laboratory — one of the company's first physical quantum machines on Indian soil is becoming the cornerstone of the ambitious "Quantum Valley" project in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The project is being implemented under a tripartite agreement between the regional government, IBM, and Tata Consultancy Services. For the crypto industry, this is a signal that cannot be ignored: quantum computing is ceasing to be a theoretical threat and is turning into a practical tool.
Why this is critical for blockchain and cryptocurrencies
156 qubits is not a record-breaking power, but the Heron architecture demonstrates a significant increase in stability and a reduction in error rates compared to previous generations. For the algorithms underpinning the security of Bitcoin and Ethereum (ECDSA, SHA-256), there is no direct threat yet — thousands of logical qubits would be required for a breach. However, each such step brings us closer to the moment when quantum supremacy becomes available for commercial attacks.
Special attention should be paid to the fact that India is one of the largest IT outsourcing hubs. Placing quantum infrastructure here will accelerate the development of quantum-resistant cryptographic standards. The "Quantum Valley" project could become a testing ground for post-quantum algorithms, which are critically important for protecting digital assets in the next 5–10 years.
For investors and developers, this means the time for adaptation is shrinking. Those who are already implementing quantum-resistant signatures (e.g., based on lattices or hash functions) will gain a competitive advantage. Others should closely monitor IBM's progress in Amaravati — it is there that the first scenario of a quantum attack on a real blockchain network may be written.
My assessment: 156 qubits is not a threshold for panic, but it is a clear marker that the quantum era in cryptography is beginning not with media hype, but with specific engineering projects in Asia. The market needs to move from discussing the threat to testing protective mechanisms.