Starknet has opened a non-binding vote on whether to explore leaving Ethereum to become an independent, post-quantum layer-1 blockchain. The poll only measures support for further research. No timetable for a transition exists.
Ethereum layer-2 network Starknet has opened a seven-day vote asking STRK holders whether it should explore becoming an independent, post-quantum layer-1 blockchain. Voting closes on Oct. 22, with results published afterwards.
A vote on research, not a transition
The poll offers three options: support further research, oppose it, or stay neutral pending more information. A "Yes" vote would signal support for further research, not authorize a transition. Further proposals and governance votes would be required first.
Starknet would keep its native token if it moves ahead. According to Crypto Briefing, the network plans to maintain STRK without introducing a new token and to keep the Ethereum bridge open.
Quantum security and Ethereum's timeline
StarkWare, the developer behind Starknet, said the move could let the network pursue quantum-resistant security without depending on Ethereum's upgrade schedule. Starknet currently relies on Ethereum for infrastructure, including its bridge and data availability, which StarkWare identifies as remaining quantum-security dependencies.
StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson told Cointelegraph that quantum-proofing is urgent: "Quantum-proofing crypto is urgent, so we must move at lightning speed." He contrasted the proposal with what he described as slower progress at Ethereum and Bitcoin.
Ethereum developers, for their part, established a dedicated post-quantum team in March, aiming to introduce initial protocol-level protections by 2029. In June, StarkWare unveiled a three-phase quantum-resistance roadmap for Starknet covering signature upgrades, smart-contract migration and Ethereum-dependent infrastructure.
Starknet and Ben-Sasson hinted at the proposal in X posts on Oct. 8, framing it as a path to becoming the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027.
Sources: Cointelegraph, Crypto Briefing
Trading involves risk.
Risk Disclaimer
