Welcome to the Dora Hacks Post- Quantum Cryptography Challenge! The objective of this hackathon challenge is to explore the integration of post-quantum digital signatures (PQDS) into Web3 via the open-source COSMOS SDK. Participants will design innovative blockchain protocols using PQC techniques, implement appchains with PQC schemes, and investigate how PQC can be combined with other advanced cryptographic and privacy-preserving protocols. The challenge will be divided into four progressively difficult stages, allowing participants to deliver meaningful contributions at each stage, with the best teams capable of completing something from all stages.

Preparation Stage: Exploration and Understanding

Objective:
Gain an understanding of post-quantum digital signatures (PQDS) and identify specific use cases for PQC in the COSMOS SDK.

Resources:

Dora Hacks Research on PQC
[NIST Post-Quantum Computing Standards[(https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/post-quantum-cryptography)
Quantum Resistance in Blockchain Networks
CosmosSDK crypto module and documentation

Tasks:

Algorithm Comparison: Compare the three NIST standardized PQDS algorithms (CRYSTALS-DILITHIUM, FALCON, SPHINCS+) and analyze their suitability for blockchain applications. Discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and potential implementation challenges.
Use Case Identification: Identify specific use cases within the COSMOS SDK where PQDS can be integrated to enhance security. This could include transaction signing, consensus mechanisms, and data integrity verification.
Stream Selection: Choose a stream for further development: lattice-based, hash-based, or another PQC approach.

Optional Deliverable:

Documentation of the chosen stream for further development.

Stage 1: Prototype Development

Objective:
Develop a prototype that demonstrates the integration of a chosen PQDS algorithm into the COSMOS SDK.

Tasks:

Algorithm Selection: Based on the research in Stage 1, select one PQDS algorithm (CRYSTALS-DILITHIUM, FALCON, or SPHINCS+) to integrate into the COSMOS SDK.
Integration Plan: Create a detailed plan for integrating the selected PQDS algorithm into the COSMOS SDK. Outline the changes needed in the SDK, potential challenges, and how to address them.
Prototype Implementation: Develop a basic prototype that integrates the chosen PQDS algorithm into a core component of the COSMOS SDK (e.g., transaction signing).

Deliverables:

Integration plan document.
Source code for the prototype.
A demonstration video showing the prototype in action.

Stage 2: Advanced Applications of PQC Challenge

Objective:
Explore advanced applications of PQC and design innovative blockchain protocols and tools and compare it against the existing Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) in the COSMOS SDK.

Tasks: Complete two or more of the following

Performance Benchmarking: Measure the performance of the integrated PQDS algorithm within COSMOS SDK. Benchmark key operations such as key generation, signing, and verification against traditional ECC.
Appchain Implementation: Implement an appchain using PQC schemes. Compare the use of different standardized and non-standardized PQC schemes within the appchain.
- HD Wallets and Key Generation: Explore current schemes used in CosmosSDK and possible new schemes, such as:
  - Hot/Cold Lattice-Based
  - Isogeny-Based General Scheme
- Key Storage and Management: Take inspiration from Mochimo and Terra Quantum PQC Suite for key storage and management.
Adversarial Monitoring Tools: Design tools to monitor blockchain networks for adversarial behavior related to transactions and signatures.
- Quantum Canary: Ensures the security and stability of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms by detecting and mitigating potential threats and performance issues in quantum computing environments.
- Feel free to innovate your own method for monitoring security.

Deliverables:

Performance benchmarking report with detailed results and comparisons.
Detailed design documents for the proposed protocols and tools.
Source code for the implemented appchain and monitoring tools.
Report or presentation summarizing the advanced applications and protocol designs.

Judging Criteria

Exploration and Understanding (20%): Quality and depth of the algorithm comparison and use case identification.
Prototype Development (30%): Functionality, innovation, and effectiveness of the prototype.
Benchmarking (10%): Comparisons of PQC to ECC.
Advanced Applications and Protocol Design (40%): Innovation, completeness, and practical applicability of the advanced protocols and tools.