Quantum-Resilient Decentralized AI Economies: Proof-of-Useful-Work and Post-Quantum Security

Abstract

Proof-of-Work blockchains secure consensus through hash puzzles, producing no external value. In this research, we propose a decentralized AI economy where nodes are rewarded for useful machine-learning work, i.e., inference and training, instead of ineffective hashing method. Our proposed three-layer architecture separates compute, validation, and economic coordination. We formalize it via a $(θ_c, θ_w, W)$-closed-loop token economy and derive a sufficient-stake condition for honest participation. While existing Grover's algorithm provides only a quadratic speedup against hash puzzles, it does not accelerate ML-native linear algebra. On the other hand, Shor's algorithm threatens classical blockchain signatures. Post-quantum migration to lattice-based and hash-based standards can address the signature layer. Therefore, useful-work consensus thus offers both economic and quantum-security advantages over classical proof-of-work.