Starknet voters back research into post-quantum layer-1 split from Ethereum
In brief
- 93.52% of voting power favored the transition, with about 3,200 votes cast, per poll results.
- Non-binding poll: an actual layer-1 move needs a separate, binding vote.
- StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson hopes to release a draft whitepaper in November.
- STRK stays the native token and Ethereum bridges remain open, per the proposal.
What the vote does (and doesn't) do
StarkWare said the poll had the highest participation in Starknet's governance history, and that it abstained from voting to leave the decision to the community. The result lets StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation go ahead with research into an independent L1.
That's all it does.
Any actual shift would require a separate, binding governance vote. Until then, Starknet stays an Ethereum layer-2 network. StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation have set up a working group to examine the proposed transition and develop more detailed technical proposals.
According to the governance proposal, STRK will remain the native token with no new token planned, and existing bridges between Starknet and Ethereum will stay open. So it isn't a token migration story, at least not under the current proposal.
Why StarkWare wants out from under Ethereum
StarkWare first raised the idea on Oct. 8, citing concerns about the network's dependence on Ethereum for security. Starknet already uses hash-based STARK proofs and supports programmable accounts that can adopt post-quantum signatures. Its bridge and data availability infrastructure still depend on Ethereum's upgrade timeline, though.
In June, StarkWare released a three-phase quantum-resistance roadmap covering cryptographic upgrades, smart-contract migration and Ethereum-dependent infrastructure. The company's Quantum Hub says it has processed a transaction on Starknet's live network using quantum-resistant technology. That's StarkWare's own claim, and the tech is still experimental (it hasn't had a security audit yet).
A 2027 target and a November draft
Ben-Sasson has set a 2027 target for making Starknet quantum-resistant, which is ahead of Ethereum's projected timeline. He doesn't think Ethereum's schedule is good enough.
“Ethereum’s target of 2029 to become quantum-safe is too late, and deadlines slip,” he said.
The next step is a document. Ben-Sasson told Cointelegraph the team was beginning work on a whitepaper and hopes to release a draft for public review in November. Both dates are plans rather than commitments, and the binding vote that would actually move Starknet off Ethereum is still a separate step.
Frequently asked questions
Is Starknet leaving Ethereum after the vote?
Not yet. The poll was non-binding and only lets StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation go ahead with research into an independent L1. An actual move would need a separate, binding governance vote, and until then Starknet keeps operating as an Ethereum layer-2.
What happens to STRK and Starknet's Ethereum bridges?
According to the governance proposal, STRK will stay the network's native token and no new token is planned. The proposal also says existing bridges between Starknet and Ethereum will remain open.
Why does StarkWare want Starknet to become a post-quantum layer-1?
StarkWare cited concerns about Starknet's dependence on Ethereum for security. Starknet already uses hash-based STARK proofs, but its bridge and data availability infrastructure still depend on Ethereum's upgrade timeline. CEO Eli Ben-Sasson has set a 2027 quantum-resistance target and called Ethereum's 2029 target too late.
