Starknet Considers Becoming an L1 to Reach Quantum Resistance by 2027

Starknet is considering becoming a standalone Layer 1 blockchain, with its builders targeting quantum-resistant security by 2027 as concerns grow about whether artificial intelligence could accelerate attacks on existing cryptography.

The move would give the network more control over its security upgrades rather than leaving parts of its migration dependent on Ethereum.

Starknet Wants Control Over Its Quantum-Security Timeline

Starknet already uses zero-knowledge STARK proofs based on hash-based cryptography and has an active roadmap for post-quantum security. But as a Layer 2 on Ethereum, the network still relies on its parent chain for some of its security.

The second concerns data availability. Starknet publishes state data to Ethereum through blobs secured by KZG commitments, which rely on cryptography vulnerable to sufficiently powerful quantum computers. A failure in KZG would affect data availability, although Starknet’s STARK proofs would continue to protect the validity of its state.

Ethereum is targeting full Layer 1 quantum resistance by the end of 2029. Starknet’s proposed 2027 timeline would therefore put it ahead of its parent network, provided it can complete the remaining work and settle the architectural questions involved in becoming an independent chain.

The proposal follows growing concerns about advances in AI-assisted mathematics. On October 7, Ethereum researcher Justin Drake urged the blockchain industry to begin preparing for what he called “bunker mode,” recommending a controlled migration of assets to addresses whose public keys remain hidden. However, Vitalik Buterin warned against rushing the process.

An Independent Starknet Would Still Face Design Choices

Starknet has already developed infrastructure that could help it operate independently, including STRK staking and multiple sequencers. However, it would still need to resolve data availability, final settlement, and changes to its official bridge.

Still, the bridge question carries particular weight, especially considering that today, Ethereum verifies Starknet withdrawal proofs before bridged funds can be released. If Starknet becomes an L1, it could continue posting STARK proofs to Ethereum, preserving a connection between the networks, or sever that dependency entirely. But those approaches would create different security assumptions for users.