Starknet, the zero-knowledge layer 2 built by StarkWare, said on 8 Oct that it is “actively considering becoming an L1”, with 2027 as the target for being the first fully quantum-resistant network. Its token, STRK, has run hard on the idea; a plan has yet to follow it.

The rundown

  • What changed: Starknet’s official X account posted at 08:32 UTC on 8 Oct, quoting a thread by StarkWare chief executive Eli Ben-Sasson that asked “good idea or bad idea?” The post read: “We are actively considering becoming an L1. This would enable Starknet to become the first fully quantum-resistant network, with 2027 as our target.” Decrypt reports that Ben-Sasson argued an L2 can only be as quantum-safe as Ethereum, whose roadmap targets core post-quantum infrastructure around the end of 2029.
  • Why it matters: An L1 would set its own timetable for swapping cryptography, rather than waiting on Ethereum. Starknet’s STARK proofs rest on hash functions, not the elliptic-curve signatures a quantum computer would threaten, according to StarkWare. Its own migration register, last updated 19 Aug, lists what is left: existing accounts do not upgrade automatically, contract-address and trie changes are “published direction, not live”, and storage migration for old contracts is still research. Settlement data also leans on Ethereum’s KZG blob commitments.
  • Where it breaks: There is no proposal, vote or migration plan. We found none on the Starknet community forum as of about 20:10 UTC, and Decrypt notes the statement does not say how apps and users would move. A standalone chain would need its own validators and data availability, and would carry its own security burden. The wider scare is also contested: CoinDesk reports Coinbase cryptographer Yehuda Lindell called Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake’s “bunker mode” warning “FUD”, and Decrypt notes no quantum computer can break these systems today.
  • By the numbers: STRK traded at $0.0708 on Kraken at about 20:10 UTC, up about 27% from its 00:00 UTC open of $0.0556, after a 13% gain on 8 Oct. CoinDesk put the move at 33% and Decrypt at 20% over 24 hours; the windows differ.

The quantum question is not unique to Starknet; see Zcash developers’ January target for post-quantum signatures and the explainer on what a quantum attack on bitcoin would involve.

Post by @Starknet on X: https://x.com/Starknet/status/2108113391525204034

This article is for information only and is not investment advice.