QBT Update: Bitcoin Conference & Open-Source Mining Progress (Feb 2026)
- Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc (AIM: QBT) is focusing on advancements in Bitcoin mining technology, with recent developments highlighted following its attendance at the Nashville Energy & Mining Summit...
- QBT’s CEO and Executive Chairman, Francesco Gardin, stated that the company’s continued presence at US-based Bitcoin mining events, such as Bitcoin Park (attended since 2024), is crucial for...
- During NEMS26, QBT’s management team engaged with Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) manufacturers with whom Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are in place.
Quantum Blockchain Technologies Advances Bitcoin Mining Tech, Eyes Open-Source Ecosystem
Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc (AIM: QBT) is focusing on advancements in Bitcoin mining technology, with recent developments highlighted following its attendance at the Nashville Energy & Mining Summit (NEMS26) on . The company reports progress in discussions with potential commercial partners and a growing recognition within the industry for its work applying artificial intelligence to SHA-256 optimization – the core algorithm powering Bitcoin mining.
QBT’s CEO and Executive Chairman, Francesco Gardin, stated that the company’s continued presence at US-based Bitcoin mining events, such as Bitcoin Park (attended since 2024), is crucial for visibility and engagement with potential partners and clients. He emphasized the central role of the US Bitcoin community in the crypto ecosystem.
Engaging with ASIC Manufacturers and Securing Access to Code
During NEMS26, QBT’s management team engaged with Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) manufacturers with whom Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are in place. These discussions centered on timelines for the delivery of both hardware and software. Notably, the company has already been granted partial access to source code from these potential collaborators. An ASIC is an integrated circuit chip customized for a specific use, rather than general-purpose computing.
Industry Recognition for AI-Driven Optimization
QBT is gaining recognition as a forerunner in the application of AI technology to SHA-256 optimization. This is significant as SHA-256 is the cryptographic hash function used by the Bitcoin protocol. Improving its efficiency is a key area of development for reducing energy consumption and increasing mining profitability.
The Rise of Open-Source Bitcoin Mining
A key development observed at NEMS26 was the launch of a working ‘open source’ real-time mining system by the 256 Foundation. The foundation’s stated mission is to “Dismantle the proprietary mining empire to make Bitcoin and freedom technology accessible to anyone.” The system utilizes three EmberOne hashing boards, comprising a total of 36 ASICs.
This launch represents the first publicly available, complete Bitcoin-mining stack built from open-source components: the EmberOne hashing board, the Libre Board control board, Mujina firmware, and HydraPool mining pool. This is a departure from the current industry model, which typically relies on closed ‘black-box’ hardware and software, often hindering development due to the need for reverse engineering or complete system development.
Implications for the Bitcoin Mining Landscape
The availability of a complete open-source mining stack is a significant milestone, allowing any system designer to assemble a mining rig using a readily accessible framework. This contrasts with the historical challenges of developing Bitcoin mining systems, which often required reverse engineering existing chips or building an entire system from scratch.
QBT’s Strategy: Embracing the Open-Source Approach
QBT maintains relationships with key members of the 256 Foundation and is allocating resources to master all elements of the foundation’s Bitcoin-mining stack. The company intends to implement its own “Methods” onto this new environment as system integrators launch new mining rigs later in . This strategy provides QBT with an additional, independent development platform alongside its ongoing work with ASIC designers and Bitcoin miners.
Gardin noted that adopting the 256 Foundation’s stack adds a development environment independent of specific manufacturers. He emphasized that while QBT will continue to collaborate with ASIC designers, the foundation’s open-source approach is fundamental to developing much-needed standards for Bitcoin mining-rig development.
About Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc
Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc (QBT), listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM, is a research and development and investment company focused on disrupting the blockchain technology sector, including cryptocurrency mining and other advanced blockchain applications. The company’s primary goal is to develop Bitcoin mining tools and techniques through a technology-driven approach that it believes will outperform existing market practices. The company announced its Interim Results for the six months ended .
Glossary of Terms (as provided by QBT):
- ASIC: An Application-Specific Integrated Circuit is an integrated circuit chip customized for a particular use.
- SHA-256: Secure Hashing Algorithm (SHA)-256 is the hash function and mining algorithm of the Bitcoin protocol, outputting a 256-bit value.