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BTQ Technologies Corp. launched the Bitcoin Quantum testnet on January 12, 2026, marking 17 years since Bitcoin's genesis block. This testnet is the first quantum-safe fork of Bitcoin aimed at protecting approximately 6.26 million BTC (valued between $650-750 billion) that are vulnerable due to exposed public keys.

Bitcoin Quantum employs the ML-DSA digital signature algorithm, replacing the ECDSA, to mitigate quantum threats. The testnet infrastructure includes a block explorer and mining pool, allowing global participation.

A report by Delphi Digital categorized Bitcoin Quantum as a 'quantum canary' network, critical for testing solutions before quantum threats materialize. The U.S. government has mandated a shift to post-quantum cryptography by 2030-2035. BTQ plans to accumulate around 100,000 Bitcoin Quantum tokens in its first year through its mining pool, positioning itself in the evolving quantum-safe infrastructure market.