Summary

  • Starknet is contemplating a shift to an independent layer-1 blockchain, aiming for a quantum-resistant network by 2027.
  • CEO Eli Ben-Sasson noted that such a move would allow Starknet to manage its own security enhancements rather than relying on Ethereum, which is projected to address core post-quantum infrastructure by 2029.
  • The STRK token was priced at approximately $0.073 on Friday, reflecting a 20% increase within 24 hours and more than doubling its value from about $0.03 in April.

Starknet, a scaling solution for Ethereum developed by StarkWare, has announced its consideration of becoming a standalone blockchain.

In a post on X, the project stated, "We are actively considering becoming an L1. This would enable Starknet to become the first fully quantum-resistant network, with 2027 as our target."

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As of Friday, the STRK token traded around $0.073, marking a 20% rise in just one day and exceeding its April value of roughly $0.03, coinciding with StarkWare's recent workforce reduction aimed at boosting revenue.

Layer 1 (L1) refers to a fundamental blockchain, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, that independently validates and secures its own transactions. Starknet currently operates as a layer 2 (L2) network, which builds on Ethereum by aggregating transactions and depending on the base blockchain for security.

Starknet's proposal emphasizes the potential threat posed by quantum computers, which could potentially compromise the elliptic-curve cryptography underpinning Bitcoin and Ethereum. Starknet's protocols utilize hash functions, known for their resistance to quantum attacks, although some elliptic-curve elements are set to be replaced according to a roadmap released on June 30.

Starknet price data. Image: Tradingview

In a discussion on X, StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson raised concerns about the proximity of the quantum threat, suggesting that advancements in AI pose additional risks that necessitate a "bunker mode" approach, a term recently popularized by Ethereum researcher Justin Drake in a similar context.

Starknet becoming an L1 for post-quantum agility: good idea or bad idea?

Two giant elements we need to pay attention to:
(1) The quantum threat.
It may be MUCH closer than we think.

(2) AI.
It's becoming more powerful than we can process.
Is anyone willing to bet how much time… pic.twitter.com/bLsxzwX2mQ

— Eli Ben-Sasson | Starknet.io (@EliBenSasson) October 8, 2026

Ben-Sasson indicated that Starknet's reliance on Ethereum's security means it can only achieve quantum safety as quickly as Ethereum progresses. He mentioned that if Ethereum does not move swiftly, transitioning to an L1 could be a viable option.

Ethereum's roadmap aims to implement core post-quantum infrastructure by approximately 2029, following the establishment of a dedicated post-quantum team by the Ethereum Foundation in January. Drake noted that timelines are accelerating, while Bitcoin has yet to commit to similar advancements, according to Ben-Sasson.

Transitioning to an L1 would grant Starknet the autonomy to manage its own security upgrades, eliminating the dependency on Ethereum and Bitcoin. However, the announcement did not clarify how existing applications and users would migrate to the new setup.

Although current quantum computers lack the capability to breach existing systems, experts remain divided on the timeline for such advancements. Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor previously stated he is unconcerned about this threat, suggesting that banks and tech giants would be the first to feel its impact.

Ben-Sasson asserted that Starknet could achieve quantum resistance by 2027, which is two years ahead of Ethereum's projected timeline for such capabilities by the end of 2029.