Starknet Weighs Layer 1 Shift With 2027 Quantum-Security Goal

Starknet is considering a move from Ethereum’s layer 2 to an independent layer 1, aiming to become the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027 as its STRK token rose about 20% in 24 hours.

STRK traded near $0.073 Friday at about 8:45 a.m. ET (12:45 p.m. UTC). The token was around $0.03 in April, meaning its price has more than doubled since then.

StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson said an independent Starknet would allow the network to manage security upgrades directly instead of waiting for Ethereum to implement related changes. As a layer 2, Starknet currently relies on Ethereum for security; a layer 1 transition would make Starknet responsible for validating and securing its own transactions.

Ben-Sasson also pointed to the potential risk that quantum computers could eventually break the elliptic-curve cryptography used by Bitcoin and Ethereum, while advances in artificial intelligence could create additional mathematical risks. No quantum computer currently can break those systems.

Ethereum’s roadmap is expected to complete core quantum-resistant infrastructure around 2029. Starknet’s proposal is under consideration, with 2027 set as its target.