Starknet Weighs Leaving Ethereum for Independent Quantum-Resistant Layer 1

Starknet is actively considering migrating away from Ethereum to establish an independent Layer 1 blockchain, setting a 2027 target for a fully quantum-resistant network. The STRK token surged 116.7% over seven days to hit $0.1190 on October 11, driving approximately $3.5B in 24-hour futures trading volume. StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson stated the potential transition is driven by accelerating advances in AI and quantum computing, which threaten the elliptic-curve cryptography currently relied upon by existing blockchain infrastructure. While Starknet’s native ZK-STARK proof system already utilizes quantum-resistant hash-based cryptography, its bridge infrastructure and data availability remain dependent on Ethereum, which is not targeting full quantum resistance until December 2029. The massive market rally coincides with a scheduled October 15 unlock that will release up to 127 million STRK tokens, worth roughly $15.1M and representing 1.27% of the network's original supply.