Starknet Opens Vote on Potential Ethereum L2 Exit
Starknet is asking STRK holders whether to explore becoming an independent layer-1 blockchain to reduce its dependence on Ethereum’s quantum-security upgrade timeline.
Written by: Ezra Reguerra, staff writer Edited by: Yohan Yun, staff editor
Latest News
Published: Oct 15, 2026
Starknet has initiated a seven-day poll offering three options: support further research, oppose it, or remain neutral pending more information. Voting closes on Oct. 22, with results to be published afterward.
A "Yes" vote indicates support for further research, not a transition. Subsequent proposals and governance votes would be required, and no timeline for becoming an L1 has been announced.
StarkWare, the developer behind Starknet, believes this move could enable the network to pursue quantum-resistant security independently of Ethereum's upgrade schedule. Currently, Starknet relies on Ethereum for infrastructure like its bridge and data availability, which StarkWare identifies as quantum-security dependencies.
“Quantum-proofing crypto is urgent, so we must move at lightning speed,” said Eli Ben-Sasson, StarkWare CEO, contrasting the proposal with what he sees as slower progress at Ethereum and Bitcoin.
Both Ben-Sasson and Starknet previously hinted at the proposal, framing it as a step towards becoming "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.
In March, Ethereum developers established a dedicated post-quantum team, aiming to introduce initial protocol-level protections by 2029.
Related:
- Starknet introduces wallet privacy feature for DeFi activity
- Subscribe to daily crypto news from Cointelegraph
- Quantum Computing
- Layer2
- Upgrade
- Governance Token
- Voting
- Ethereum