What is Qtum (QTUM)?

Deep Dive

1. Technology & Architecture

Qtum integrates Bitcoin’s Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) model—a secure ledger system—with Ethereum’s Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), enabling smart contracts. This hybrid design aims to balance Bitcoin’s battle-tested security with Ethereum’s flexibility. Recent upgrades (Qtum) include compatibility with Bitcoin Core v29.1 and Ethereum’s Pectra update, enhancing interoperability and transaction efficiency.

2. Tokenomics & Governance

QTUM has a capped supply of 107.8M tokens, with ~105.9M in circulation as of November 2025. Its deflationary model includes periodic halvings—most recently cutting block rewards from 0.5 to 0.25 QTUM. Staking rewards incentivize network participation, while on-chain governance allows stakeholders to vote on protocol upgrades.

3. Ecosystem & Use Cases

Qtum targets real-world dApps, offering tools like Qtum MCP for AI task automation and a planned native stablecoin to boost DeFi adoption. Its 32-second block time and ~70-100 TPS throughput cater to applications requiring faster settlements than Bitcoin.

Conclusion

Qtum positions itself as a bridge between Bitcoin’s robustness and Ethereum’s versatility, focusing on sustainability and enterprise-grade scalability. With upcoming innovations like its stablecoin and cross-chain bridges, a key question remains: Can it carve a niche in a crowded Layer 1 landscape dominated by more ecosystem-rich chains?