AI disclosure: drafted by Basis Desk's AI newsroom and machine-checked against the primary sources listed below — how we use AI. Originally published on Basis Desk.
A governance poll approved research into departing Ethereum with 93.5% support, targeting a quantum-resistant standalone network by 2027.
Key points
- Starknet governance closed a non-binding vote with 93.52% voting power approving research into transitioning to an independent layer 1 [1].
- A whitepaper detailing the technical architecture is scheduled for public release in November, with STRK remaining the native token [1].
- StarkWare is targeting a 2027 post-quantum deployment deadline, arguing Ethereum's planned 2029 timeline carries security risks [1].
The Starknet community voted overwhelmingly to back research into transforming the network from an Ethereum layer 2 into an independent, post-quantum layer-1 blockchain [1]. The non-binding governance poll concluded on Thursday after seven days of voting, drawing approximately 3,200 participants with 93.52% of voting power supporting the initiative [1]. According to StarkWare, the ballot achieved the highest voter turnout in Starknet's governance history, with StarkWare abstaining to allow community members to decide the outcome [1].
Approval of the measure authorizes StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation to form a working group to study the architectural shift and assemble technical proposals [1]. StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson stated that drafting on a technical whitepaper has begun, with plans to release a public draft in November [1]. Starknet will continue normal operations as an Ethereum layer 2 during this research phase, and any formal decision to sever layer-2 dependencies will require an additional, binding governance vote [1]. The initial proposal confirmed that $STRK will remain the native token without any new asset issuance, and existing bridges to Ethereum will remain operational [1].
Quantum Security and the Independence Thesis
StarkWare initially proposed exploring an independent layer 1 on Oct. 8, pointing to vulnerabilities linked to Ethereum's security architecture and upgrade pace [1]. While Starknet leverages hash-based STARK proofs and programmable accounts that can natively support post-quantum cryptography, its data availability and cross-chain bridge mechanisms remain tethered to Ethereum's consensus rules [1]. In June, StarkWare outlined a three-stage quantum-resistance framework encompassing cryptography upgrades, contract migrations, and independence from Ethereum infrastructure [1]. StarkWare's Quantum Hub has already executed an experimental quantum-resilient transaction on the Starknet mainnet, though the underlying code has not yet completed a security audit [1].
The strategic push stems from diverging cryptographic transition roadmaps [1]. While the Ethereum Foundation targets 2029 for post-quantum deployment, Ben-Sasson argued that timeline is insufficient to protect network value against future quantum capabilities, targeting a full transition for Starknet by 2027 [1]. The development comes as $ETH traded down 2.5% at $2,397 and $BTC fell 2.0% to $81,677 at the time of writing.
FAQ
Is Starknet leaving Ethereum immediately?
No. The completed vote is non-binding and only authorizes technical research. Starknet will continue to operate as an Ethereum layer-2 network, and any actual shift to a layer 1 requires a separate, binding governance vote.
Will there be a new token for the Starknet L1?
No. According to the governance proposal, STRK will remain the network's native token and no new token will be launched.
Sources
- Starknet voters back research into life beyond Ethereum — Primary document (discovered)
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