Starknet holders back research into a post-quantum L1
Over 93.5% of voting power in Starknet's week-long poll backed researching a move from Ethereum L2 to an independent post-quantum L1. Whitepaper due in November.
CryptoGroup Newsroom · · 3 min read
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Starknet's community has backed researching whether the network should leave its role as an Ethereum layer-2 and become an independent, post-quantum layer-1. More than 93.5% of voting power supported the proposal in a seven-day Snapshot poll that closed on Thursday morning, with over 2,800 wallets taking part, The Block reported, citing StarkWare.
What the vote decided — and what it didn't
The poll, which we covered when it opened on Oct. 15, asked STRK holders and delegates a narrow question: should a move to layer-1 be researched? The result does not approve a migration.
- StarkWare, the company that builds Starknet, says it did not vote, leaving the decision to the community.
- The proposal stated that a Yes "does not constitute approval of a transition", and the poll had no quorum requirement.
- According to the Starknet Foundation's forum post, STRK stays the network's token and the bridges from Ethereum stay open whatever happens next.
Why quantum security is driving it
Starknet already relies on STARK proofs, which are based on hash functions rather than the elliptic-curve cryptography that underpins most blockchain signatures and is considered vulnerable to a large enough quantum computer. StarkWare's argument is that, as an L2, Starknet still inherits Ethereum's bridge and data-availability layer, so it cannot become fully quantum-resistant faster than Ethereum does. Ethereum's own post-quantum team is targeting initial protocol protections around 2029. Our explainer on whether quantum computers can break bitcoin covers the underlying threat in plain terms.
What happens next
StarkWare expects to publish a draft whitepaper for public review in November. It should set out design options, including how security and upgrades would work on a standalone chain, and those options will go to further governance votes. Only a later, separate vote could approve an actual move. For background on how layer-2 networks lean on Ethereum, see what Ethereum is and how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Is Starknet leaving Ethereum now?
No. The poll only approved research. StarkWare plans a draft whitepaper in November, and any real transition would need its own governance vote later.
What happens to STRK and bridged funds?
According to the Starknet Foundation, STRK remains the token and the bridges from Ethereum stay open. No token swap has been proposed.
Why would becoming a layer-1 help against quantum computers?
As a layer-2 Starknet depends on Ethereum's bridge and data layer, which use cryptography seen as vulnerable to future quantum computers. As an L1 it could change those parts on its own timeline.
This article is for information only and is not financial advice. Crypto assets are volatile; do your own research. Read our disclaimer
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