Starknet has asked holders of its STRK token whether the Ethereum layer-2 network should investigate becoming an independent layer-1 blockchain, a move intended to reduce its reliance on Ethereum as the industry prepares for potential quantum-computing threats.
Seven-day vote is only an initial signal
The non-binding governance poll opened on Thursday and will remain available for seven days, with voting scheduled to close on Oct. 22. STRK holders can choose to support further research, oppose the idea or remain neutral until more information is available. The results are expected to be published after voting ends.
A vote in favor would not approve Starknet’s departure from Ethereum. It would authorize only additional investigation. Any actual transition would require further proposals and governance votes, and Starknet has not announced a timetable for becoming a layer-1 network.
Layer-2 networks generally process transactions using infrastructure connected to an underlying layer-1 blockchain. Starknet currently depends on Ethereum for key parts of its operation, including its bridge and data availability. StarkWare, the company behind Starknet, says those links would remain dependencies when assessing the network’s exposure to future quantum-security risks.
StarkWare points to Ethereum timeline
StarkWare said an independent layer-1 structure could give Starknet more control over the development of quantum-resistant security rather than requiring it to follow Ethereum’s upgrade schedule. Quantum-resistant, or post-quantum, systems are designed to withstand attacks that could become possible if sufficiently powerful quantum computers are developed.
Eli Ben-Sasson, StarkWare’s chief executive, told Cointelegraph that quantum protection for crypto networks is urgent. He contrasted the proposed pace at Starknet with what he characterized as slower progress at Ethereum and Bitcoin. Cointelegraph originally reported the vote and the surrounding proposal.
The possibility was signaled publicly on Oct. 8, when Ben-Sasson and Starknet published separate posts on X. Those posts presented a goal of making Starknet “the first fully quantum-resistant network” by 2027. That remains a stated ambition rather than an approved transition plan.
StarkWare introduced a three-stage quantum-resistance roadmap for Starknet in June. The plan covers upgrades to signatures, the migration of smart contracts and changes involving infrastructure that currently depends on Ethereum.
Ethereum developers formed a dedicated post-quantum team in March and are targeting initial protections at the protocol level by 2029. The differing timelines help explain why Starknet is asking its community to consider whether greater independence could offer a faster route to quantum-resistant architecture.
Market picture
Moneyiar market data at 21:14 on Oct. 15, 2026, put Ethereum at $2,451.2050, up 1.61% over 24 hours but down 0.83% over seven days. Other tracked tokens were also higher on the day: Shiba Inu was $0.0000051292, up 1.66% in 24 hours and down 3.12% over seven days; Uniswap was $7.4646, up 5.37% and 1.85%, respectively; and Pepe was $0.0000041207, up 1.77% over 24 hours and 7.52% over seven days. These market movements do not determine the outcome of Starknet’s governance process.
