The Starknet community launched a non-binding Snapshot poll on October 15 asking STRK holders whether the network should explore becoming an independent Layer 1 focused on post-quantum security. The move follows StarkWare’s October 8 statements that it is actively considering the transition to gain greater control over its own security timeline.
The poll, live for seven days on Snapshot, does not approve any migration. It is designed solely to gauge community interest. A “Yes” result would trigger a research effort and more detailed proposals. A “No” would keep post-quantum work on the existing Ethereum Layer 2 path. A “Neutral” outcome would leave the discussion open for further clarification.
Why the Discussion Is Happening
Starknet’s core protocol already relies on hash-based STARK proofs rather than elliptic-curve cryptography, and it has native account abstraction. These features mean the parts of the network under its direct control can reach quantum resistance relatively quickly, and users can switch to post-quantum signature schemes without a protocol-level hard fork.
Components that still depend on Ethereum—particularly the bridge and data availability—remain tied to Ethereum’s own timeline. Ethereum’s cluster has targeted full Layer 1 quantum resistance by the end of 2029. StarkWare has previously said Starknet could reach full quantum resistance by 2027 if it controlled the relevant surfaces itself.
Eli Ben-Sasson, StarkWare co-founder, framed the issue on October 8 around both quantum computing and the accelerating pace of AI-driven mathematical breakthroughs, arguing that chains need cryptographic agility and, in some cases, the ability to move as an L1 rather than waiting on another network.
StarkWare later stated its leaner message more clearly: “Starknet becoming an independent L1 is our clearest path forward.”
What Would (and Would Not) Change
The governance post is explicit on several points:
- STRK remains the network’s token; no new token is planned.
- Bridges from Ethereum to Starknet would stay open.
- The poll is non-binding and serves only as a temperature check.
Progress on individual surfaces is tracked on the project’s Quantum Hub, which distinguishes demonstrated work from remaining research and external dependencies.
Context from Earlier Coverage
The discussion builds directly on announcements earlier in October that lifted STRK. The Crypto Times previously reported that STRK rose sharply after Starknet said it was actively considering becoming an L1 with a 2027 quantum-resistance target. Those prior coverage noted the technical foundation in STARK proofs and the experimental Falcon-512 account work with OpenZeppelin, while emphasizing that the L1 path remained under consideration and not confirmed.
StarkWare had also published a post-quantum roadmap in June arguing that Starknet has one of the clearer migration paths among major networks precisely because its proving system never relied on the elliptic-curve assumptions that quantum computers threaten.
Current Market Snapshot
As of mid-October 15, 2026, STRK was trading in the $0.07–$0.08 range across major trackers, with market capitalization around $570–600 million and elevated 24-hour volume relative to earlier in the month. The token remains well below its all-time high from February 2024.
What Happens Next
Voting is open to STRK stakers and delegators via Snapshot. Results will be visible immediately when the poll closes. Official updates have come from the Starknet Community Forum post, StarkWare’s X account, and Eli Ben-Sasson’s posts.
The discussion sits within a broader industry conversation about quantum timelines. Ethereum has outlined a 2029 target, while other projects continue to publish their own roadmaps and research. For Starknet, the poll is the first formal community signal on whether holders want the team to devote research resources to an independent L1 option versus continuing the existing Layer 2 path.
Also Read: Pirate Chain Rolls Back Blockchain After Ironwood Turnstile Exploit
