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ZEC $1,095 Starknet opens 7-day vote on leaving Ethereum over quantum risks
STRK holders will decide whether developers should research becoming an independent layer-1 blockchain.
Key takeaways
- Vote is non-binding. A yes result would only authorize further research, requiring additional governance votes before any transition.
- Timeline targets 2027. Starknet aims to become the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027 under the proposed change.
- Token and bridges remain. STRK would stay as the native token and existing Ethereum bridges would remain open under either outcome.
What happened
Starknet opened a seven-day vote on October 15 asking STRK token holders whether developers should research becoming an independent layer-1 blockchain. The poll offers three options: support further research, oppose it, or remain neutral. Voting closes October 22, with results published afterwards.
A yes vote would not authorize a transition but would signal support for continued research. Further proposals and governance votes would be required before any change takes effect, and no timeline for becoming a layer-1 has been announced.
StarkWare, the developer behind Starknet, said the move could allow the network to pursue quantum-resistant security without depending on Ethereum's upgrade schedule. Starknet currently relies on Ethereum for infrastructure, including its bridge and data availability.
First $2.7KLatest $2.4K-12.1% over the period
Points are daily observations, not closing prices.
Why it matters
Quantum computers could eventually threaten widely used cryptographic systems, particularly methods used to protect blockchain accounts and authorize transactions. Ethereum developers established a dedicated post-quantum team aiming to introduce initial protocol-level protections by 2029. StarkWare argues that STARK proofs, Starknet's existing cryptographic system, already resist quantum attacks, but parts of Starknet remain dependent on Ethereum's infrastructure. An independent layer-1 would give Starknet developers direct control over security functions without waiting for Ethereum's timeline.
Starknet hints at the proposal in separate posts on October 8, framing it as a move to become the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027. In June, StarkWare unveiled a three-phase quantum-resistance roadmap for Starknet, covering signature upgrades, smart-contract migration and Ethereum-dependent infrastructure.
What is still unclear
- The proposal does not identify a date for any transition or explain the complete technical process required to establish an independent network.
Questions readers ask
What does a yes vote mean for Starknet?
A yes vote would only signal support for further research into becoming an independent layer-1 blockchain. It would not authorize a transition and would require additional governance votes before any changes take effect.
Would STRK holders need a new token if Starknet leaves Ethereum?
No. STRK would remain the native token under either outcome. Existing Ethereum bridges would also stay open.
When does Starknet want to become quantum-resistant?
Starknet aims to become the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027 under the proposed plan.
How is Ethereum handling quantum security?
Ethereum developers established a dedicated post-quantum team aiming to introduce initial protocol-level protections by 2029.
