The Layer 2 network Starknet has launched a seven-day community vote beginning on 15 October 2026. During the vote, STRK holders are asked to consider whether the network should explore leaving the Ethereum network's Layer 2 ecosystem and becoming an independent Layer 1 blockchain designed to counter future quantum computing threats.
The Starknet governance forum published the proposal after StarkWare began discussing the possibility on 8 October. The vote is non-binding and will determine whether developers should conduct further research into the proposed changes, as no decision has yet been made to separate Starknet from Ethereum.
The proposal confirms that STRK will remain the network's native cryptocurrency under any of the proposed options, and no token replacement is planned. Existing bridges connecting Ethereum and Starknet will remain available.
Starknet Considers Leaving Ethereum Due to Quantum Security Concerns
Starknet currently operates as a Layer 2 network built on Ethereum, processing transactions using its own infrastructure while relying on Ethereum for certain security and settlement functions.
The proposed step would allow Starknet to function as an independent Layer 1 blockchain, giving it more direct control over the systems responsible for its security.
According to the governance proposal, concerns about future quantum computers prompted the developers to explore whether maintaining the current relationship with Ethereum could delay certain security improvements.
Quantum computers could eventually pose a threat to widely used cryptographic systems, particularly some of the methods used to protect blockchain accounts and authorize transactions.
StarkWare believes that its existing technologies provide a foundation for addressing these risks. However, the proposal acknowledges that part of the Starknet network still depends on Ethereum's infrastructure.
Currently, the network uses Ethereum for functions such as data availability and the main blockchain bridge. Changes to the security of these components depend in part on Ethereum's upgrade plans. Moving to an independent layer-1 network could allow Starknet developers to set security requirements for these functions without waiting for Ethereum to upgrade.
The proposal does not specify a transition date or describe the full technical process required to create an independent network. The developers have not presented a final design covering consensus, data availability, bridge connections, or migration procedures.
StarkWare began a public discussion of the possible change on 8 October. The latest vote asked whether the community supports allocating additional resources to study this option.
Read also:
