Ethereum Evolves Beyond Blockchain: Vitalik Buterin Outlines Future Roadmap

Ethereum is trading near $2,650 as Vitalik Buterin reframes the network's future in his September 27 essay, "The Cryptographic World Computer." Buterin argues that Ethereum will transition beyond a traditional blockchain, moving toward a system utilizing recursive STARKs, automated formal verification, and quantum-resistant cryptography. The roadmap includes the 2027 Hegotá upgrade and a shift toward verifying cryptographic proofs rather than re-executing transactions. By 2030, Buterin projects slot times of four to eight seconds with finality in eight to 32 seconds.