Research led by StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation is set to begin immediately, with a draft white paper scheduled for public scrutiny in November.
Starknet has voted to explore becoming an independent layer 1 blockchain designed to withstand quantum-computing threats, with 93.5% of votes supporting further research in a non-binding community poll.
More than 3,200 wallets participated in the week-long vote, the highest turnout recorded in a Starknet poll. StarkWare did not participate in the vote.
The result does not approve a migration from Ethereum layer 2 to layer 1; instead, it triggers a research effort intended to produce more detailed proposals for a future governance decision.
StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation will lead the research, with a draft white paper expected in November. CEO Eli Ben-Sasson has set a 2027 target for Starknet to become quantum-safe, saying Ethereum’s stated 2029 target leaves the network exposed to delays in its underlying blockchain’s upgrades.
Although Starknet uses hash-based cryptography and STARK proofs, it still relies on Ethereum for parts of its security architecture, including its bridge and data availability. Independent layer 1 could allow Starknet to control more of its own post-quantum security roadmap.
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The network has already begun deploying post-quantum technology. Falcon-based post-quantum accounts are live on mainnet, and a smartphone has generated post-quantum proof that Starknet successfully accepted.
The proposed research will examine how the network could further reduce its reliance on Ethereum as it prepares for potential quantum threats.
The existing user experience will remain unchanged during the research phase, with STRK retaining its role as the native token and Ethereum bridges staying open.