Starknet opens vote on post-quantum layer-1 plan

Starknet has opened a non-binding vote on whether to explore becoming an independent, post-quantum layer-1 blockchain. The seven-day poll asks STRK holders to vote on the future of the Ethereum layer-2 network. Voting closes Oct. 22, and the results will be published afterward.

Voters can support further research, oppose it or remain neutral until more information is available. A vote in favor would support additional research, not authorize a change to Starknet’s architecture.

Further proposals and governance votes would be required before Starknet could leave its current Ethereum-based model. No timetable for a transition to layer 1 has been announced.

StarkWare, the developer behind Starknet, said an independent blockchain could let the network adopt quantum-resistant security without depending on Ethereum’s upgrade schedule. Starknet currently relies on Ethereum for infrastructure that includes its bridge and data availability. StarkWare identifies those connections as remaining dependencies in its effort to protect the network from quantum-computing threats.

In comments about the proposal, StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson described quantum-proofing crypto as urgent. “Quantum-proofing crypto is urgent, so we must move at lightning speed,” he said, contrasting the proposal with what he described as slower progress on quantum security at Ethereum and Bitcoin.

StarkWare and Starknet first hinted at the plan in separate posts on X on Oct. 8. The posts described a possible goal of making Starknet the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027. The current vote does not approve that target.

In June, StarkWare released the three-phase Starknet quantum roadmap. The plan covers upgrades to digital signatures, the migration of smart contracts and changes to infrastructure that depends on Ethereum.

Ethereum developers established a dedicated post-quantum team in March and are targeting initial protocol-level protections by 2029.