Starknet plans on giving up its role as an Ethereum Layer 2 network in favour of creating a stand-alone Layer 1 blockchain in order to achieve quantum resistance by 2027. The proposal reflects a strategic concern about how quickly blockchain networks can respond to future cryptographic challenges.

If Starknet ran independently, it might have more control over significant security upgrades rather than waiting for Ethereum to evolve. The idea has sparked market interest, but it also raises concerns about decentralisation, infrastructure, and the cost of independence.

Why Starknet Wants to Become a Layer 1

Starknet's proposal is mainly driven by control over its security roadmap. Starknet depends on Ethereum for data availability and settlement because it is an Ethereum Layer 2 network. This design generates dependencies when upgrades impact the underlying cryptographic infrastructure, despite the fact that it offers significant security benefits.

Starknet may have more flexibility to make changes at its own pace if it becomes a Layer 1. This is important while getting ready for quantum computing since improving account signatures by itself won't protect a blockchain if other crucial elements are still at risk.

Eli Ben Sasson, a co-founder of StarkWare, has questioned whether Starknet should become a Layer 1 in order to strengthen its resistance to post-quantum dangers. Artificial intelligence developments, which could hasten cryptographic research and the identification of weaknesses, are another issue that concerns him.

Therefore, giving up Ethereum is not the only goal. The goal is to lessen dependencies that would make it more difficult for Starknet to react swiftly when its security needs change.

How Quantum Computing and AI Shape the Decision

Elliptic curve encryption, which safeguards digital signatures in a large portion of the Bitcoin market, is being challenged by quantum computing. Vulnerable accounts and assets could be at risk if a sufficiently powerful quantum computer using Shor's algorithm were able to extract private keys from exposed public keys.

AI raises additional concerns since it may make it easier for researchers to find weaknesses and create more effective cryptographic attacks. Because of these advancements, blockchain developers must take security update speed into account.

Starknet's usage of STARK proofs gives it an advantage. In contrast to many other proof systems, these rely on cryptographic assumptions based on hashes. Smart contracts are also used in Starknet accounts, which enables the introduction of various signature verification techniques without necessarily necessitating a network-wide fork.

A technical explanation of an experimental quantum-resistant wallet that accomplished a mainnet transaction was released by Starknet in August 2026. The demonstration showed how an account might utilise a different signature technique without losing its address. Nevertheless, this accomplishment does not prove that every part of the network is already quantum-resistant because the account was experimental and unaudited.

We are actively considering becoming an L1.

This would enable Starknet to become the first fully quantum-resistant network, with 2027 as our target.

— Starknet (@Starknet) October 8, 2026

Ethereum Dependencies & the 2027 Target

Starknet is aiming for complete quantum resistance by 2027, which is sooner than Ethereum's stated goal of 2029 for quantum security. Starknet is investigating whether its existing architecture provides adequate flexibility, which is partially explained by the disparity in timelines.

On June 30, 2026, StarkWare released a quantum resistance plan that details changes to hashing, current contracts, and Ethereum-related components. Dependencies related to Ethereum messages and blob data availability are addressed in the last stage. These elements are important since a network can deploy quantum-resistant encryption on its own while still being vulnerable due to its links to other blockchains.

Starknet might have greater direct control over these choices with an autonomous Layer 1. However, the network would still be vulnerable to quantum attacks even if it became an L1. The necessary cryptographic adjustments would still need to be implemented, tested, and maintained by Starknet.

The 2027 aim is still only a target and not a set date for completion. The declaration does not show that Starknet will undoubtedly quit Ethereum, and no governance vote to accept the proposed shift has been scheduled.

STRK Gains & the Trade Off of Independence

The STRK market reacted sharply to the idea, with gains reported ranging from 18% to 30%. The potential for Starknet to develop a unique security strategy and speed its plans for quantum resistance seems to attract investors' curiosity. However, neither the proposal's success nor the token's ability to sustain its gains is assured by the price movement.

Critics have a pragmatic issue. In addition to supporting its own validator infrastructure, an independent Layer 1 must assume more accountability for network security and operations. Alongside its cryptographic developments, Starknet would have to handle additional work as a result.

While independence might offer greater control over crucial protocol choices, staying on Ethereum has the advantage of relying on a well-established settlement network. These benefits must be weighed against the operational requirements of operating its own base layer via Starknet.

Whether increased control would provide sufficient security and development benefits to warrant the extra obligations is the main question. Starknet's Layer 1 ambitions remain under consideration rather than an authorised change until it produces a detailed transition plan and submits the proposal to governance.

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