The Starknet community has recently signaled a strong interest in exploring the possibility of developing an independent post-quantum Layer 1 blockchain. This following a governance vote that concluded on Thursday, gathering approximately 3,200 total votes, where an impressive 93.52% supported the initiative towards potential independence from Ethereum.
This non-binding poll marked a significant moment in Starknet’s governance history, showcasing the highest level of participation to date. Many community members opted to abstain, allowing the decision to be made by an active majority. This supportive outcome empowers StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation to continue their research into creating an independent Layer 1 network. It is essential to note that any eventual transition will need to be solidified through a separate binding governance vote, while Starknet will maintain its operations as part of Ethereum’s Layer 2 ecosystem in the meantime.
“We started writing the whitepaper before the weekend started, and we hope to have a draft available for public scrutiny in November,” stated Eli Ben Sasson, CEO of StarkWare, in an interview with Cointelegraph.
Next Steps in the Transition to Post-Quantum L1 Research
In keeping with the findings of the poll, StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation are forming a specialized working group tasked with evaluating migration strategies and crafting a more detailed technical proposal concerning this potential transition.
- The governance proposal has indicated that the native token of the network will be STRK, with no plans for introducing new tokens.
- The existing bridge linking Starknet and Ethereum will remain functional as developments continue.
The discussion regarding a potential transition was initially raised by StarkWare on October 8, where they expressed concerns regarding Starknet’s dependence on Ethereum for security. Starknet already utilizes hash-based STARK proofs and programmable accounts capable of leveraging post-quantum signatures. However, its bridge and data availability mechanisms continue to rely on Ethereum’s upgrade timeline.
In addition, StarkWare unveiled a comprehensive three-step roadmap in June aimed at achieving quantum resistance. This roadmap includes enhancements to cryptographic systems, migration of smart contracts, and the resolution of Ethereum-reliant infrastructure.
The StarkWare Quantum Hub has announced that it has begun testing technology designed to combat future quantum threats. They have managed to process transactions on Starknet’s live network using this technology, although it remains in an experimental phase and has yet to undergo a full security audit.
Ben Sasson has articulated an ambitious timeline, aiming for Starknet to achieve quantum-proof status by 2027, ahead of Ethereum’s anticipated timeline targeting 2029. “Ethereum’s goal of achieving quantum security in 2029 is too late and the deadline is overdue,” he remarked.
