Key facts
- Starknet is polling holders on exploring a move to an independent layer-1 blockchain.
- The proposed L1 transition aims to accelerate quantum-resistant security adoption.
- Starknet currently relies on Ethereum for infrastructure, posing quantum-security dependencies.
- Ethereum's post-quantum team aims for initial protocol-level protections by 2029.
- StarkWare aims for Starknet to be the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027.
Ethereum layer-2 network Starknet has initiated a non-binding poll for STRK token holders to decide whether to explore becoming an independent, post-quantum layer-1 blockchain. The seven-day vote, which opened on Thursday, aims to allow Starknet to implement quantum-resistant security measures without being tied to Ethereum's upgrade schedule. StarkWare, the developer behind Starknet, stated that the network's current reliance on Ethereum for infrastructure, such as its bridge and data availability, presents quantum-security dependencies. StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson expressed urgency in quantum-proofing crypto, contrasting Starknet's proposed speed with that of Ethereum and Bitcoin. StarkWare has outlined a three-phase quantum-resistance roadmap for Starknet, with a goal of becoming the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027. In contrast, Ethereum developers established a dedicated post-quantum team in March with initial protocol-level protections targeted for 2029.