Starknet Considers Ethereum Exit for Quantum-Resistant Layer 1

Starknet is considering leaving Ethereum to become an independent Layer 1, with StarkWare targeting 2027 for what it describes as the first fully quantum-resistant network. The network currently relies on Ethereum for settlement and data availability.

StarkWare disclosed the plan on Oct. 8. The proposal remains under consideration and does not include an approved migration plan or a confirmed timetable for replacing Ethereum.

StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson wrote on X that quantum computing could pose a threat sooner than expected and that advances in artificial intelligence had increased the need for preparation. His comments concerned the possible development of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer, not evidence that current blockchain signatures can already be broken by AI.

Starknet’s zero-knowledge STARK system uses hash-based cryptography rather than the elliptic-curve cryptography that sufficiently powerful quantum computers could threaten. The network also supports programmable accounts, allowing users to adopt alternative signature systems without a network-wide upgrade.

A roadmap published by StarkWare in June divides the quantum-resistance work into three areas. Starknet can change vulnerable hashing mechanisms and legacy smart contracts itself. The third area covers dependencies inherited from Ethereum, including bridge infrastructure and data commitments, and would require changes to Ethereum’s systems.

As an Ethereum Layer 2, Starknet processes transactions separately from Ethereum but uses the main network for settlement and data availability. An independent Layer 1 would need its own security and settlement arrangements.

Ethereum’s Protocol cluster set a December 2029 target in September for quantum resistance across the network’s execution, consensus and data layers. Starknet’s proposed 2027 target would come before that date, although the networks would face different technical requirements.

Market data recorded on Oct. 11 showed STRK at $0.1190, up 17.7% over 24 hours and 116.7% over seven days. Futures open interest stood at about $258.5 million, while futures trading volume reached approximately $3.5 billion over the same period.

The token is scheduled for an unlock on Oct. 15. Starknet’s vesting schedule permits up to 127 million STRK to become transferable each month for early contributors and investors through March 2027. At the Oct. 11 price, the maximum monthly allocation would be worth about $15.1 million, equal to 1.27% of the project’s original 10 billion-token supply. The unlock makes the tokens transferable but does not indicate whether recipients will sell them.