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ZEC $1,204 Starknet Explores Layer 1 Shift for 2027 Quantum Resistance
The Ethereum layer-2 network is evaluating a base layer transition to meet its post-quantum security target, pending governance approval.
Key takeaways
- 2027 quantum goal. Starknet's stated target for full quantum resistance is 2027 if it proceeds with the layer-1 shift.
- Three-phase roadmap. StarkWare published a three-phase post-quantum roadmap for Starknet on June 30.
- Two cited threats. Eli Ben-Sasson named two driving threats: quantum computing and advanced AI.
What happened
On October 8, 2026, Starknet announced it is actively evaluating a transition from its current status as an Ethereum layer-2 network, which publishes state data to Ethereum as blobs, to a standalone layer-1 blockchain. The potential shift was first proposed by StarkWare co-founder and CEO Eli Ben-Sasson, who cited two core pressures driving the idea: the quantum threat, which he said may be much closer than widely assumed, and rapidly advancing AI that is outpacing human processing capacity.
Why it matters
If approved, the transition would position Starknet as the first fully quantum-resistant network, hitting a target date of 2027 for that milestone. The project already has a three-phase post-quantum roadmap published June 30 that outlines steps including replacing Pedersen hashing with BLAKE2 and integrating post-quantum signature schemes like Falcon-512. Any protocol-level change, including a layer-1 shift, would require approval via Starknet's on-chain governance process, per the project's stated rules.
What is still unclear
- No timeline for a formal community vote or final decision on the layer-1 transition has been announced.
Questions readers ask
Is Starknet becoming a layer 1 blockchain?
Starknet has announced it is actively evaluating a transition to a layer-1 blockchain, but no final decision has been made. Any protocol-level change would require approval via the project's on-chain governance process.
What is Starknet's target for quantum resistance?
If the layer-1 shift is approved, Starknet aims to become the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027.
What steps are in Starknet's post-quantum roadmap?
StarkWare published a three-phase post-quantum roadmap for Starknet on June 30, 2026. The first phase replaces Pedersen hashing with BLAKE2 and adds post-quantum signature support, the second covers existing contract migration, and the third addresses remaining dependencies on Ethereum's data availability and messaging layers.
