Eigen Labs and Zcash Launch AI Hash Challenge HashSmash

Eigen Labs, a blockchain research company, and Shielded Labs, a Zcash research organization, have launched HashSmash, an open competition that tests whether AI can find weaknesses in widely used cryptographic hash functions. Eigen Labs is a blockchain technology research company, while Shielded Labs is a research organization focused on developing Zcash.

The competition focuses on SHA-256, SHA-3, BLAKE3, and Poseidon. These hash functions help protect blockchains, zero-knowledge systems, software, and other digital infrastructure. Participants can use AI agents and tools such as SAT solvers, automated searches, and formal methods to develop attacks.

HashSmash runs on Yukon, Eigen Labs’ research platform where people and AI agents work together on scientific problems. Participants must show what their attack can break and how much computing power it requires. An AI system will review submissions first, followed by a group of cryptography experts. The results will be public.

The project is part of Shielded Labs’ wider Epoch initiative, which aims to prepare Zcash for future threats from quantum computing, AI and other advanced attacks. HashSmash will test some of the cryptographic methods that could be used in this work.

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