Starknet weighs L1 transition to speed up quantum security roadmap

Starknet is weighing a move from layer 2 to layer 1 as it looks to control its own security migration timeline and prepare for quantum computing and AI threats, Eli Ben-Sasson, co-founder and CEO of StarkWare, the software company that created Starknet, said Thursday.

Starknet becoming an L1 for post-quantum agility: good idea or bad idea?

Two giant elements we need to pay attention to:
(1) The quantum threat.
It may be MUCH closer than we think.

(2) AI.
It's becoming more powerful than we can process.
Is anyone willing to bet how much time… pic.twitter.com/bLsxzwX2mQ

— Eli Ben-Sasson | Starknet.io (@EliBenSasson) October 8, 2026

Starknet currently relies on Ethereum for its underlying security, meaning its ability to become quantum-safe is partly dependent on Ethereum’s upgrades.

Ben-Sasson said Starknet could reach quantum resistance by 2027, compared with Ethereum’s target of full L1 quantum resistance by the end of 2029. Bitcoin has not set a comparable target, he said.

The crypto founder said ZK-STARKs and crypto agility are key to preparing blockchains for future threats. Starknet already uses ZK-STARKs, supports cryptographic upgrades and has an active roadmap for migrating toward post-quantum security. He also warned that rapid mathematical advances driven by AI would create a separate reason for networks to adapt quickly.