Eigen Labs and Zcash's Shielded Labs Launch Open AI Cryptanalysis Competition
On October 5, 2026, Eigen Labs and Zcash organization Shielded Labs launched HashSmash, an open competition to assess how far artificial intelligence can advance attacks on widely used cryptographic hash functions. The initiative is hosted on Yukon, Eigen Labs' research platform where AI agents collaborate with humans to solve scientific problems in public view. HashSmash targets four key hash functions: SHA-256, SHA-3, BLAKE3, and Poseidon—foundational elements of internet security used across blockchains, software verification systems, and zero-knowledge protocols. The competition aims to evaluate the resilience of these cryptographic tools against AI-driven cryptanalysis while making research findings publicly accessible for further development. This effort aligns with Shielded Labs' broader Epoch project aimed at future-proofing Zcash cryptography against quantum computing threats and advanced hacking techniques. By inviting global participation, HashSmash seeks to strengthen digital security foundations through collaborative scientific discovery.
Topics: AI cryptocurrency hash functions security research Zcash