Starknet Community Backs Research Into Becoming a Standalone Post-Quantum Layer 1

Starknet's community has signaled strong interest in exploring whether the network should leave its role as an Ethereum layer-2 and become an independent blockchain built to resist quantum computers.

The vote

A non-binding Snapshot poll, open to STRK stakers and delegators from Oct. 15 to Oct. 22, ended with 93.52% of voting power in favor and 3,236 votes cast, StarkWare said in a blog post. The Block also reported on the outcome. StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation have formed a working group to research the idea, with a white paper expected in the coming weeks, followed by a detailed proposal and further community votes. No migration has been approved.

Why the network is considering it

As a layer-2, Starknet depends on Ethereum for parts of its system, including its bridge and data availability. StarkWare says both rely on elliptic curve cryptography that could be vulnerable to future quantum computers, so Starknet can only become fully quantum-resistant on Ethereum's schedule, which it puts at 2029.

Other parts of Starknet are further along, the company says. Its STARK proofs use hash functions considered post-quantum secure, and its native account abstraction lets user accounts adopt new signature types without a protocol upgrade. StarkWare has set a 2027 target for full quantum security in its roadmap.

Why it matters

Quantum risk has moved from a distant concern to an active planning topic across crypto, including for bitcoin and Ethereum. A layer-2 weighing independence over security timelines would be a notable shift, and the debate could shape how other scaling networks approach the issue.