Starknet is considering a transition from an Ethereum layer 2 network to an independent layer 1 blockchain. StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson announced the proposal at the Token2049 conference, citing the need for quantum resistance by 2027, which is two years ahead of Ethereum's projected 2029 timeline.
Following the announcement on October 8, 2026, the native token STRK reached a nine-month high, trading between $0.07 and $0.073. Market data indicates gains of 19% to 40% over two days. Futures open interest for the token increased by more than 50%, reflecting significant leveraged trading activity.
On-chain metrics also showed growth on October 8, with daily trading volume on decentralized exchanges reaching $33.7 million and network fees hitting a seven-day high of approximately $13,685. The project currently relies on Ethereum for security and would need to establish its own consensus mechanism and validator network if it becomes a layer 1.
The proposed transition remains unconfirmed and would require formal governance approval. Moving to an independent chain would grant Starknet direct control over its security model and cryptographic upgrade schedule, allowing the team to implement hash-based defenses without waiting for the broader Ethereum ecosystem.
