Key Insights
- The vote authorizes research, not migration. Starknet still needs a separate binding governance vote before leaving Ethereum.
- Ethereum dependencies remain the challenge. Bridge messaging and data availability complicate Starknets goal of achieving quantum resistance.
- The pressure of progress is brought by the 2027 target. StarkWare aims to move than Ethereum’s projected 2029 timeline but its experimental technology still requires further validation.
Starknet has secured 93.52% support for researching a quantum-resistant layer-1 blockchain marking a potential shift away, from Ethereum. The seven-day governance poll closed on October 22 2026 with 3,200 votes recorded and participation reaching a network record.
The result gives StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation permission to investigate an architecture. However, the non-binding vote does not approve a migration. Starknet will continue operating as an Ethereum layer-2 network. Any transition would require a binding governance decision.
Over 93.5% of Starknet Voting Power Backs Research into Transitioning to Independent Quantum-Resistant Layer 1
Starknet (STRK) tokenholders have approved a research proposal with over 93.5% of voting power supporting an exploration of transitioning Starknet from an Ethereum… pic.twitter.com/x3dlGW2VQj
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) October 22, 2026
Community vote opens the door to independence
The poll followed StarkWare’s October 8 proposal to examine Starknet’s dependence on Ethereum for security. Voting opened on October 15 and attracted overwhelming support from participating token holders and delegates.
StarkWare said the poll recorded the participation in Starknets governance history. The company did not vote, letting the community decide whether research should move forward.
The result sets a path for technical investigation not for immediate changes to the network. As a result users are not required to migrate their assets. There is no confirmed deadline, for any such move.
StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson told Cointelegraph that work on a whitepaper would start away. The team aims to release a draft in November for review.
The proposal also preserves the parts of Starknet’s ecosystem. STRK will stay as Starknets token and developers do not plan to add a new cryptocurrency. The existing bridges that connect Starknet with Ethereum are also expected to stay open.
Ethereum dependencies drive quantum security concerns
StarkWare raised the independence proposal because Ethereum’s cryptographic infrastructure influences Starknet’s long-term quantum security. Although Starknet uses hash-based STARK proofs other components still rely on Ethereum technology and on Ethereum upgrade schedule.
The proposal points out that bridge messaging and data availability are dependencies. Ethereum uses KZG commitments for data. Some bridge functions depend on elliptic‑curve cryptography. Powerful future quantum computers might threaten these cryptographic systems
Therefore, StarkWare says that Starknet cannot by itself secure every component while it relies on Ethereum’s underlying infrastructure. An independent layer‑1 could give developers control over security upgrades and the schedule, for implementation.
However, independence would bring technical responsibilities. Starknet would have to decide how validators secure consensus keep data available and resist censorship without relying on Ethereum.
The community must also consider how staked STRK would support the network’s economic security. These questions remain unresolved, and developers have not published a complete alternative security model.
Three-phase roadmap sets the technical direction
StarkWare introduced a three-phase quantum-resistance roadmap in June. The plan covers cryptographic upgrades, existing smart contracts and infrastructure that depends on Ethereum.
The first phase replaces selected Pedersen hashing components with BLAKE2-based alternatives. The second addresses storage requirements and migration procedures for existing smart contracts.
The third phase focuses on Ethereum‑dependent infrastructure, such as bridge messaging and data availability. These changes are a problem than simply updating single cryptographic functions.
StarkWare’s Quantum Hub has also announced that it has tested technology meant to resist quantum attacks. The team was able to process a transaction, on Starknet’s network. However, the technology is still experimental. Has not yet finished a security audit.
Ben-Sasson has announced his plans to make Starknet quantum-resistant by 2027. He feels that the 2029 target date is too late for Ethereum, as deadlines are often missed.
The disparity between these timelines reinforces the need for an investigation of independent security arrangements. However, StarkWare will need to prove that a standalone network can be a viable solution for providing real-world protection without introducing new vulnerabilities.
Potential industry impact depends on technical execution
Starknet’s idea shows a problem that blockchain creators are dealing with as quantum computing moves forward. Systems need to check if their encryption, connections, between networks and the way transactions work can handle coming dangers.
An independent architecture could reduce Starknet’s reliance on Ethereum’s upgrade decisions. It could also allow developers to coordinate security changes around their own requirements.
Leaving Ethereum’s infrastructure behind would mean Starknet must set up and keep its security guarantees. Starknet would need answers, about validator incentives, data availability, bridge safety and transaction censorship. Without the help of Ethereum Starknet must figure out these problems on its own.
The November whitepaper should provide an opportunity for developers and community members to examine these trade-offs. Its technical details will help determine whether independence offers meaningful security advantages.
Conclusion
Starknet’s governance result gives its developers a clear mandate to investigate a quantum-resistant layer-1. Still, community support for research does not guarantee that the network will leave Ethereum.
The next milestone is the proposed November whitepaper, followed by further technical discussion. A separate binding vote must authorize any eventual transition, while STRK remains the native token under the current proposal.
