This third iteration goes broader. The roadmap targets upgrades to the three core layers of the community: consensus, execution and information.
The fork sequence makes use of placeholder labels working from fork H* by fork L*. The express ordering of these upgrades was clarified on November 5, 2026. The ultimate fork, L*, is the one that may full the Lean Ethereum transition.
Two named upgrades sit close to the entrance of the road. Glamsterdam is on deck, and Hegotá is anticipated to be the final fork earlier than the total Lean Ethereum transition, slated for late 2026 or early 2027.
The tech below the hood
Two elements stand out within the plan. The primary is quantum-safe, hash-based signatures. The second is recursive STARK proofs for verifying transactions.
Hash-based signatures depend on a distinct sort of math, one constructed to carry up even towards quantum attackers. STARK proofs enable one celebration to show a batch of computation was performed accurately with out everybody else redoing the work. Recursive STARKs take it additional: proofs can confirm different proofs, compressing enormous quantities of exercise into one thing small and fast to test.
The plan additionally introduces a two-tier state mannequin. Tokens utilizing that scalable tier are projected to see price reductions of over 10x. That may be a projection, not a assure, and it applies particularly to the brand new tier moderately than to each transaction on the community.
How we acquired right here
The analysis findings hint the strategic roadmap again to February 2026, with important updates in November 2026 centered on how the forks must be sequenced. The Lean Ethereum plan was first proposed by researcher Justin Drake in mid-2025 and solidified in a strawmap launched in February 2026. Vitalik Buterin has pointed to the looming risk of quantum computing as a driving power behind the accelerated give attention to post-quantum safety, with quantum capabilities anticipated round 2030.
What this implies for Ethereum and its customers
For customers, the projected price discount on the scalable tier is probably the most tangible piece. A projected reduce of greater than 10x on that tier could be a significant change if it holds up in apply.
The analysis findings be aware that constructing in post-quantum readiness now might set Ethereum aside from blockchain platforms that haven’t but addressed the difficulty.
The analysis findings additionally flag that group reception of the Glamsterdam and Hegotá forks can be a key early learn on help and adoption.
