NEAR Integration & Bridge
Quantus integrates with NEAR Protocol's chain abstraction infrastructure to enable cross-chain asset transfers. This is how users will bridge value in and out of Quantus without relying on centralized custodians.
Why NEAR?
Quantus has a single native asset (QU) and no smart contracts. To interact with the broader crypto ecosystem (exchanges, DeFi, stablecoins), users need a bridge. NEAR's chain abstraction via NEAR Intents provides:
- Decentralized signing -- MPC threshold signatures instead of a trusted bridge operator
- Cross-chain execution -- Intent-based transactions that settle on both chains
- Existing infrastructure -- Battle-tested MPC network with active validators
Architecture
MPC Threshold Signatures
The bridge uses secure multi-party computation (MPC) where no single party holds the full signing key:
- Multiple MPC nodes each hold a key share
- A threshold number of nodes must cooperate to produce a valid signature
- No single node can sign transactions alone
- Even if some nodes are compromised, the key remains secure as long as the threshold isn't breached
This replaces the traditional "multisig bridge" model (where N-of-M known signers control a bridge wallet) with a cryptographic guarantee that the signing key is never reconstructed in any single location.
Source: near-mpc -- Fork of NEAR's MPC node implementation Audit: Hashcloak threshold signature audit (in progress)
Swap Button
The Quantus mobile app includes a "Swap" button that initiates cross-chain transfers through the NEAR Intents integration. From the user's perspective, it works like a simple exchange:
- User taps Swap in the Quantus app
- Selects the amount and destination chain/token
- Transaction is routed through the MPC network
- User receives the target asset on the destination chain
This feature is currently being built and will go through Apple App Store approval (~6 week process).
Forked Dependencies
Quantus maintains forks of NEAR infrastructure adapted for post-quantum integration:
| Repository | Description |
|---|---|
| near-mpc | MPC node for threshold signature generation |
| nearcore | NEAR reference client fork |
Current Status
| Component | Status |
|---|---|
| MPC node implementation | In development |
| Threshold signature audit (Hashcloak) | In progress |
| NEAR Intents integration | In development |
| Swap button (mobile app) | In development, pending Apple approval |
| Testnet integration | Planned |