Starknet May Separate from Ethereum: STRK Holders Begin Critical Voting

The Starknet community is voting on whether to explore the possibility of an independent Layer 1 network due to quantum risks. The current vote is not binding.

Starknet, the second-layer network running on Ethereum, has opened a community vote on the possibility of becoming an independent Layer 1 blockchain. The seven-day vote gives STRK holders the option to support continued research, oppose it, or remain neutral until more information is provided.

The vote will close on October 22nd, and the results will be announced later. However, a positive outcome doesn’t mean Starknet will immediately separate from Ethereum. The current vote only gauges community opinion on the need for a more detailed technical and economic investigation of an independent network option.

A real transition will require the preparation of new technical proposals, the publication of a detailed roadmap, and additional governance votes. Currently, there is no set date for the transition.

StarkWare, the developer of Starknet, argues that a standalone Layer 1 option could enable faster implementation of quantum computing-resistant security systems. In its current configuration, Starknet performs transaction calculations on its own network but relies on Ethereum for key areas such as bridging, data accessibility, and ultimate security.

StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson believes the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography is urgent. In June, the company unveiled a three-phase roadmap aiming to make Starknet fully quantum-attack resistant by 2027. This plan includes updating signature systems, migrating smart contracts, and replacing infrastructure components tied to Ethereum.

Ethereum developers are also working on post-quantum security, but the first protocol-level protections are targeted for rollout in 2029. The central question is whether Starknet will wait for this timeline.

*This is not investment advice.