# Starknet Weighs Ethereum Split as STRK Surges 26% in 24 Hours

By Simon Yoon

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/technology/28614
Published: 2026-10-09T00:39:07.000Z
Updated: 2026-10-09T00:39:07.000Z
Section: Technology

> Founder Eli Ben-Sasson is considering an independent Layer 1 focused on post-quantum and AI-resistant cryptography, with a 2027 target.

STRK rose nearly 26% over 24 hours after Starknet founder Eli Ben-Sasson proposed turning the Ethereum Layer 2 into an independent Layer 1 focused on cryptography designed to withstand future quantum and AI-assisted attacks.

Ben-Sasson is considering a 2027 transition that would give Starknet control over its own consensus network, security model and cryptographic upgrade schedule. The proposal would end the network’s reliance on Ethereum for settlement and economic security.

Starknet’s STARK proof system relies heavily on hash functions rather than the elliptic-curve signatures used across much of the crypto industry. The network also supports account abstraction and has processed transactions using post-quantum signature verification.

The market move was accompanied by a sharp increase in derivatives activity. Open interest in STRK futures climbed more than 53%, while futures volume reached five times spot volume.

The plan has not advanced to a formal governance vote. Moving from an Ethereum-based Layer 2 to an independent Layer 1 would require Starknet to build its own validator network and fund separate security and data-availability infrastructure.