Starknet said it is actively considering becoming a layer-1 network, with the goal of becoming fully quantum-resistant by 2027. This remains an idea presented for discussion, not a finalized decision to depart from its current layer-2 model.
Eli Ben-Sasson, co-founder and CEO of StarkWare, questioned whether transitioning Starknet into an L1 would provide the network with greater flexibility in executing cryptographic upgrades. He cited advances in both quantum computing and AI. The view that these threats are drawing nearer reflects his own assessment, not evidence that existing digital signatures have already been compromised.
Previous roadmap still partly depends on Ethereum
StarkWare unveiled a quantum resistance roadmap for Starknet on June 30, divided into three phases. The first two phases remain within Starknet’s direct control, while the final phase depends on the progress of Ethereum’s own upgrades.
According to the document, the initial step involves replacing uses of the Pedersen hash function with BLAKE2 across certain network layers. StarkWare also outlined plans to adopt post-quantum signatures such as Falcon-512 within its consensus mechanism. The subsequent phase focuses on existing contracts through tooling designed to help them transition without requiring manual data migration.
The elements outlined above represent development commitments within the roadmap and should not be considered fully implemented. StarkWare itself noted that deployment timelines and outcomes are not guaranteed.
Two notable points of dependency on Ethereum are bridge messaging and data availability. Starknet publishes state data to Ethereum in the form of blobs. The blobs’ KZG commitment scheme and part of the cryptography securing the bridge still fall within the scope requiring transition.
Layer-1 could change how dependencies are resolved
In the June roadmap, StarkWare anticipated addressing these dependencies as Ethereum executes its own transition. That document made no mention of becoming an L1. As a result, the recent statement opens the possibility that Starknet seeks greater autonomy over the timing of its upgrades rather than waiting on the base layer.
This represents an interpretation of motives rather than a confirmed technical plan. Moving to an L1 would require clarifying how state is validated, how data availability is provided, and how connectivity with Ethereum is maintained. Those questions cannot be resolved solely by selecting new cryptographic algorithms.
StarkWare noted that all protocol-level changes must go through the governance process. According to Unchained, the statements on October 8 did not specify when the community will vote on the L1 concept.
The 2027 target therefore remains an aspirational project goal. What remains to be seen is whether Starknet will present an architectural proposal concrete enough for the community to assess its security benefits alongside the implications for users.