Starknet Community Backs Independent Layer 1 Plan With 93.5% Vote Over Quantum Risks

Starknet’s proposed separation from Ethereum has gained overwhelming community support, with STRK holders backing research into an independent Layer 1 blockchain. According to StarkWare, more than 93.5% of voting power supported the proposal, reflecting strong interest in addressing quantum security risks.

The seven-day Snapshot poll closed on October 22, attracting participation from over 2,800 wallets across the Starknet community. Notably, StarkWare abstained from voting, allowing token holders to determine whether the project should investigate the proposed transition.

The result authorizes further research rather than an immediate network migration, with another community vote required before implementation. StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation will now examine the technical requirements for establishing a post-quantum Layer 1 network.

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StarkWare Targets 2027 Quantum Security as Community Supports Independent Network

StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson confirmed that work on a technical whitepaper has begun following the community’s decision. The company expects to publish a draft in November, allowing developers and community members to examine the proposed architecture.

Ben-Sasson described quantum computing as a major security challenge facing blockchain networks, particularly as artificial intelligence capabilities advance. The executive also questioned Ethereum’s planned 2029 quantum security timeline, arguing that the network should address potential vulnerabilities earlier.

StarkWare has established a 2027 target for making Starknet quantum-safe, creating a separate deadline from Ethereum’s proposed schedule. Nevertheless, the community has not approved a specific date for transitioning Starknet into an independent Layer 1 blockchain.

The proposal follows Ben-Sasson’s October 8 introduction of the concept, which led to the community poll opening October 15. Earlier in June, StarkWare also published a three-phase roadmap outlining its approach to post-quantum security.

Ethereum Dependencies Drive Starknet’s Proposed Layer 1 Transition

Starknet currently operates as an Ethereum Layer 2 network, relying on Ethereum for essential security and infrastructure functions. While Starknet uses hash-based cryptography, its bridge and data availability infrastructure remain dependent on Ethereum’s underlying security.

Consequently, Starknet cannot independently protect these components against quantum threats while maintaining its existing Layer 2 architecture. Moving toward an independent Layer 1 could allow developers to address those dependencies through a separate security framework.

Starknet accounts can already adopt post-quantum signatures without requiring protocol changes, according to the project’s technical assessment. The proposed research will examine how the network could extend quantum protection beyond individual accounts.

Meanwhile, the Starknet Foundation has confirmed that STRK will remain the network’s native token regardless of the community’s decision. No additional token will accompany the proposed transition, and existing Ethereum bridges will remain operational.

The 93.5% approval now provides StarkWare with community backing to investigate the independent network proposal. Any actual transition will require another governance decision following publication and review of the technical research.

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