STRK Rallies as Starknet Weighs Ethereum Layer 1 Shift

Starknet is considering leaving Ethereum’s layer 2 ecosystem for an independent layer 1, a potential shift that sent Starknet (STRK) higher and would give the network more control over its security upgrades.

Starknet said Oct. 8 that it is “actively considering becoming an L1” and is targeting 2027 to become fully quantum-resistant. StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson also raised the proposal in connection with his TOKEN2049 remarks.

STRK traded near $0.073 on Oct. 9 as the announcement drove a sharp rally. The size of the move varied across market measurements, so no single percentage is used here.

Starknet currently operates as an Ethereum layer 2, processing transactions separately while relying on Ethereum for settlement and security. Becoming a layer 1 would require Starknet to establish its own security and validator framework, along with a transition path for users and applications.

The proposal centers on protection against future quantum-computing threats. Starknet says its STARK-based proving system and programmable accounts provide a foundation for quantum-resistant upgrades, while Ethereum’s roadmap targets full post-quantum protection by 2029.