The NEAR Protocol has officially announced the release of Mainnet version 2.13.0, a significant technical milestone that introduces advanced cryptographic security and enhanced network scalability. This update incorporates post-quantum transaction signing and automated dynamic sharding, positioning the blockchain to resist future computational threats while optimizing resource distribution. According to reports from NEAR Chain Status, the governance voting process for the implementation of these features is scheduled to commence on July 20, 2026, at 00:00 UTC (8:00 AM Beijing time).
Advanced Security and Post-Quantum Cryptography
A primary highlight of version 2.13.0 is the integration of the ML-DSA-65 post-quantum signature scheme. This addition establishes a third key type within the protocol, complementing the existing ed25519 and secp256k1 standards. By adopting ML-DSA-65, NEAR accounts can utilize keys designed to remain secure even against the potential decryption capabilities of future quantum computers. To maintain efficiency, the blockchain only records a 32-byte hash of these keys on-chain.
This upgrade covers features that most blockchains would require a decade-long roadmap to complete.
This statement, attributed to former NEAR core developer Vadim, emphasizes the technical complexity of the release. Beyond security, the update introduces Gas Keys, a feature essential for meta-transactions. Gas Keys enable a single account to manage multiple agents simultaneously, facilitating batch transaction processing without requiring individual gas management for each sub-action.
Dynamic Sharding and Network Scalability
The Mainnet 2.13.0 update significantly evolves the NEAR architecture through the introduction of dynamic sharding. This mechanism allows the network to autonomously monitor the performance and storage size of individual shards.
- Automated Resharding: The protocol can now redistribute data across shards at epoch boundaries.
- Zero Intervention: Adjustments occur without the need for manual developer intervention or hard forks.
- Scalability: Enhances the network's ability to handle fluctuating transaction volumes by balancing the load across the ecosystem.
By automating the sharding process, the NEAR blockchain aims to eliminate the technical bottlenecks typically associated with manual protocol upgrades, ensuring consistent throughput as the ecosystem expands.
The upcoming vote on July 20 will determine the activation of these features across the mainnet. If approved, the transition to version 2.13.0 will represent one of the most comprehensive upgrades in the history of the NEAR ecosystem, addressing both long-term security concerns and immediate infrastructure efficiency. Investors and developers are monitoring the voting period closely, as the successful deployment of post-quantum signatures sets a new standard for Layer 1 blockchains in the face of evolving cryptographic challenges.
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