The Starknet community has approved a proposal to explore transitioning from an Ethereum Layer 2 network into an independent Layer 1 blockchain, with the goal of strengthening its resistance to potentThe Starknet community has approved a proposal to explore transitioning from an Ethereum Layer 2 network into an independent Layer 1 blockchain, with the goal of strengthening its resistance to potent
Starknet Considers Leaving Ethereum: 93.52% of Voting Power Supports Research into a Quantum-Resistant Blockchain
The Starknet community has approved a proposal to explore transitioning from an Ethereum Layer 2 network into an independent Layer 1 blockchain, with the goal of strengthening its resistance to potential quantum computing attacks in the future.
The vote concluded on October 22, 2026, with 3,236 votes cast, representing approximately 489.3 million STRK in voting power. Of that total, 93.52% supported moving forward with the research. According to StarkWare, this marked the highest participation level in Starknet's governance history.
However, the result does not mean Starknet has decided to leave Ethereum. The vote only authorizes StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation to begin evaluating the technical requirements, risks, and potential implications of becoming an independent blockchain.
The initiative reflects growing interest in post-quantum security as advances in quantum computing raise questions about the long-term security of cryptographic systems currently used by blockchain networks.
Key Takeaways
93.52% of voting power supported researching Starknet's potential transition from an Ethereum Layer 2 network to an independent, quantum-resistant Layer 1 blockchain.
The vote took place from October 15 to October 22, 2026, with 3,236 votes representing approximately 489.3 million STRK in voting power.
The proposal has not been approved for implementation. Any actual transition would require another formal governance vote.
StarkWare aims to reduce Starknet's dependence on Ethereum infrastructure, particularly asset bridges and data availability.
Starknet uses hash-based STARK technology and programmable accounts, providing a favorable foundation for implementing quantum-resistant cryptography.
StarkWare aims to develop quantum-resistant capabilities for Starknet by 2027, while Ethereum is targeting major upgrades through 2029.
A joint research group will evaluate the Layer 1 option, with a draft whitepaper expected in November 2026.
STRK is expected to remain Starknet's native token, with no plans to issue a replacement token solely because of the proposed transition.
What Happened? Starknet Community Supports Research into Becoming an Independent Layer 1
Voting Results Show Strong Community Support
On October 22, 2026, the Starknet Foundation confirmed that a seven-day governance poll on Snapshot had concluded, with a significant majority of voting power supporting research into a potential transition to Layer 1.
The results were as follows:
Voting Option | Share of Voting Power |
Support the research | 93.52% |
Oppose the research | 4.57% |
Neutral / Need more information | 1.91% |
Total | 100% |
The vote recorded 3,236 ballots representing approximately 489.3 million STRK in voting power. These percentages reflect token-weighted voting power rather than the proportion of individual voters choosing each option.
According to StarkWare, the company did not participate in the vote, allowing the community to decide independently whether the proposal should be researched.
The outcome represents support for a new research direction, not final approval of a fundamental change to Starknet's blockchain architecture.
Starknet Has Not Officially Left Ethereum
Following the vote, StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation will collaborate on research into the requirements for operating Starknet as an independent Layer 1 blockchain.
The research is expected to cover network architecture, security, data availability, application compatibility, and potential changes that users or developers may need to make.
If the findings suggest that the transition is feasible, detailed technical proposals will be submitted to the community for further voting.
In the meantime, Starknet continues to operate as an Ethereum Layer 2 network.
StarkWare has also stated that STRK will remain the network's native token, with no plans to issue a replacement token. Bridges connecting Starknet and Ethereum are expected to remain operational.
Background / Context: Why Does Starknet Want to Reduce Its Dependence on Ethereum?
Starknet Currently Relies on Ethereum's Security Infrastructure
Starknet is a Layer 2 network that uses zero-knowledge rollup technology to process transactions outside the Ethereum main chain, then uses cryptographic proofs to verify the validity of state changes.
This model allows Starknet to scale transaction processing while benefiting from important components of Ethereum's security infrastructure.
However, operating as a Layer 2 also creates architectural dependencies.
Starknet continues to rely on Ethereum for settlement and state confirmation, data availability, and certain components of its asset bridging system.
This dependence becomes particularly relevant when developing a post-quantum security strategy.
Although Starknet can upgrade the cryptographic algorithms under its own control, the network remains dependent on Ethereum's security and upgrade roadmap for shared infrastructure components.
What Risks Does Quantum Computing Pose to Blockchain Networks?
Many blockchain networks currently use public-key cryptographic systems to verify transaction signatures and establish control over digital assets.
A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could potentially use quantum algorithms to break certain widely used public-key cryptographic mechanisms, including systems based on elliptic curve mathematics.
If such capabilities become practical, blockchains that have not upgraded their signature systems could face significant security risks.
However, there is currently no evidence that operational quantum computers can break these cryptographic systems at a practical scale.
Therefore, developing quantum-resistant technology is a preparation for long-term risks rather than a response to a quantum attack that has already occurred.
What Advantages Does Starknet Have in Quantum-Resistant Cryptography?
One notable characteristic of Starknet is its use of STARK technology, a cryptographic proof system built around hash functions.
Unlike certain cryptographic systems that rely on mathematical structures vulnerable to quantum algorithms, hash-based designs can provide a more favorable foundation for post-quantum security when appropriately selected and implemented.
Additionally, Starknet uses programmable accounts. This allows accounts to adopt new authentication mechanisms and signature algorithms without necessarily requiring an upgrade to the entire protocol.
However, these advantages do not mean Starknet is already fully protected against quantum computing attacks.
Quantum resistance must be evaluated across the entire system, including signatures, bridges, data availability, and other security-related components.
This is one of the main reasons StarkWare wants to explore operating an independent Layer 1 blockchain.
Why It Matters: Why Is Starknet's Proposal Significant?
Starknet Wants Greater Control Over Its Security Strategy
The most important motivation behind the proposal is gaining greater control over the pace of security upgrades.
While operating as a Layer 2, Starknet depends on Ethereum for certain infrastructure components. As a result, achieving comprehensive post-quantum security partly depends on the development timeline of the underlying Layer 1 network.
According to StarkWare, Ethereum is targeting December 2029 for quantum-resistant upgrades at Layer 1, while the broader transition could continue beyond that date.
In contrast, StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson aims to advance Starknet toward quantum resistance by 2027.
Becoming an independent Layer 1 could provide Starknet with greater autonomy over cryptographic algorithms, bridge architecture, and data infrastructure management.
Nevertheless, the 2027 target is not an approved deadline for implementing an independent Layer 1.
Transitioning to Layer 1 Does Not Automatically Improve Security
Ethereum provides Starknet with an established foundation of economic security and transaction validation infrastructure that operates at significant scale.
If Starknet becomes an independent blockchain, it will need to determine how to maintain comparable security without relying on Ethereum under its current model.
This could require major changes to consensus mechanisms, validator operations, data availability, and asset protection.
Greater cryptographic independence does not necessarily make a blockchain more secure in every respect, particularly if its operational infrastructure and economic security model are not sufficiently robust.
Therefore, research into an independent Layer 1 must evaluate two factors simultaneously: resilience against future quantum computing threats and the ability to maintain protection against existing forms of attack.
The Proposal Reflects Growing Preparation for the Post-Quantum Era
Post-quantum security is not an issue limited to Starknet.
Financial systems, blockchain networks, and digital infrastructure all rely on cryptography to authenticate data, protect transactions, and maintain asset ownership.
As quantum computing research advances, preparing cryptographic mechanisms that can be replaced or upgraded is becoming increasingly important.
Starknet's proposal demonstrates that quantum resistance could directly influence blockchain architectural decisions rather than remaining merely an additional feature at the application level.
However, there is currently no basis for concluding that transitioning to Layer 1 is the only or optimal solution for every blockchain seeking to improve post-quantum security.
Impact: Implications for Starknet, Ethereum, and the STRK Token
Impact on Starknet
If the Layer 1 option is researched and eventually approved by the community, Starknet could undergo significant changes to its operational structure.
The greatest potential benefit would be more comprehensive control over its cryptographic upgrade roadmap and critical security components.
This could allow Starknet to develop a long-term strategy that depends less on Ethereum's upgrade schedule.
However, the transition could also create additional responsibilities for developers and the broader ecosystem, particularly regarding network operations, asset protection, and connectivity infrastructure.
The potential benefits can only be fully evaluated once the technical design documents are published and reviewed.
Impact on Ethereum
If Starknet eventually transitions into an independent Layer 1, Ethereum could lose a Layer 2 network that currently uses its settlement and data availability infrastructure.
However, the actual impact would depend on the connectivity model maintained after the transition.
Starknet has indicated that bridges to Ethereum are expected to remain operational. Therefore, an independent Starknet would not necessarily mean completely severing the technical and liquidity connections between the two ecosystems.
The proposal also raises a broader question about the Layer 2 model: Should scaling networks continue depending on the security upgrade roadmap of their underlying Layer 1, or should they develop greater independence in response to emerging technological risks?
Impact on the STRK Token
The community's support for Layer 1 research could draw additional attention to STRK, particularly as post-quantum security becomes an increasingly discussed topic in the cryptocurrency market.
If Starknet transitions to Layer 1 in the future, STRK could continue playing a role in network operations and security, depending on the economic model and consensus mechanism ultimately selected.
However, no final Layer 1 design has been established, making it impossible to assess specific changes to tokenomics, staking, or network fees.
Importantly, community support does not guarantee an increase in STRK's price.
The long-term impact will depend on technological execution, real-world adoption, developer activity, and the economic value generated by the network.
Impact on Users and Developers
In the short term, Starknet users do not need to make any changes simply because of the voting results.
The network continues operating on Ethereum, and existing applications will not automatically migrate to a new blockchain.
If the proposal is implemented in the future, developers may need to evaluate application compatibility, transaction processes, and technical infrastructure.
Users would also need clear information about asset protection, wallet compatibility, and changes related to blockchain bridges.
However, these remain areas for future research rather than changes that have already been approved.
What Happens Next? Starknet's Upcoming Steps
Following the voting results, StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation will establish a joint research group to assess the feasibility of transitioning to an independent Layer 1.
According to the announced plan, the group will examine technical requirements, security trade-offs, and implications for users, developers, and the broader ecosystem.
Key developments to monitor include:
November 2026 draft whitepaper: StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson expects to publish a document for community evaluation. This is a tentative plan rather than a guaranteed deadline.
Layer 1 architecture research findings: The documentation should clarify how Starknet would independently operate its consensus infrastructure, data availability, and security mechanisms.
Ethereum bridge continuity: Maintaining bridges will be an important factor in preserving interoperability and liquidity between the two ecosystems.
Future governance votes: The transition can proceed only after a specific proposal is presented and receives the necessary approval.
Post-quantum security roadmap: Technical testing, security assessments, and technology readiness will be more meaningful indicators than development targets alone.
Starknet has not announced an official date for becoming a Layer 1 blockchain, nor has it confirmed that the transition will definitely take place.
Therefore, the whitepaper expected in November will be an important document for the community to assess whether the benefits of quantum resistance are substantial enough to justify changing the network's operating model.
FAQ
1. Has Starknet Officially Decided to Leave Ethereum?
No. Starknet has only approved a non-binding vote allowing StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation to research the possibility of becoming an independent Layer 1 blockchain. Any actual transition would require another formal governance vote.
2. Why Does Starknet Want to Become a Layer 1 Blockchain?
Starknet wants greater autonomy in developing quantum-resistant security. The network currently depends on Ethereum for important components such as asset bridges and data availability, meaning its ability to implement comprehensive security upgrades is partly influenced by Ethereum's development timeline.
3. What Is a Quantum-Resistant Blockchain?
A quantum-resistant blockchain is a blockchain network designed or upgraded to mitigate security risks that sufficiently powerful quantum computers could pose in the future. Protective measures typically involve signature algorithms, cryptographic proofs, and the ability to upgrade security components.
4. Is Starknet Already Fully Quantum-Resistant?
Not necessarily. Starknet has certain advantages through its hash-based STARK technology and programmable accounts. However, it still depends on Ethereum for important infrastructure components, meaning comprehensive quantum resistance has not yet been achieved.
5. Will STRK Be Replaced if Starknet Becomes a Layer 1?
According to the Starknet Foundation, STRK will remain the network's native token, and there are no plans to issue a replacement token. However, the specific economic mechanisms that would apply if Starknet becomes a Layer 1 still need to be defined in future technical proposals.
6. When Is Starknet Expected to Become a Quantum-Resistant Layer 1?
No official transition date has been announced. StarkWare aims to strengthen Starknet's quantum-resistant capabilities by 2027, but becoming an independent Layer 1 is a separate decision that depends on technical research and future governance votes.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or professional advice. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and, if necessary, consult with a licensed professional before making any decisions.
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