The STRK token of the Starknet network rose by approximately 322% to 323% in the 30 days leading up to October 12, 2026. On October 9 alone, the token price increased by about 40%, with intraday values exceeding $0.12.
The rally followed a proposal presented at the Token2049 conference to transition Starknet from an Ethereum Layer 2 solution to an independent Layer 1 blockchain. CEO Eli Ben-Sasson stated that this shift would allow the network to independently manage security upgrade timelines, specifically regarding post-quantum cryptography, with a goal to become fully quantum-resistant by 2027.
Market data shows that 24-hour trading volumes for STRK often exceeded several hundred million dollars. Recent snapshots placed the market capitalization between $860 million and $888 million. On October 8, network fees reached a seven-day high of $13,685, marking a 190% increase from the week's low.
Despite the price surge, on-chain activity showed slower growth. The total value locked (TVL) in Starknet DeFi protocols rose by 5% to 7%, reaching approximately $168 million. The current price remains more than 97% below the all-time high recorded in February 2024.
The transition to a Layer 1 chain remains a proposal requiring technical development, governance approval, and community feedback. There is no confirmed timeline for the launch, and the network currently continues to operate as an Ethereum Layer 2.
