Starknet L1 Quantum Resistant Research Gains 93.5% Community Support

Starknet community members approved research into an independent post-quantum L1 on October 22, 2026. A seven-day Snapshot poll closed with 93.52 percent of voting power supporting the move, representing roughly 457.6 million STRK tokens.

Poll Results Show Strong Mandate for Independent Roadmap

The vote ran from October 15 to October 22 and was open to STRK stakers and delegators. Record turnout reached 3,236 votes from more than 2,800 wallets, according to results published on the Starknet community forum. StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation abstained to allow community decision-making without internal influence.

Support stood at 93.52 percent, with 4.57 percent opposed and 1.91 percent neutral. The poll carried no binding authority and did not authorize any immediate transition or timeline. Instead, it provides a mandate for the Starknet Foundation and StarkWare to examine technical requirements and trade-offs.

Officials described the outcome as a clear signal to begin structured research. A joint working group will lead the effort and publish updates on the community forum. STRK will remain the native token, and existing Ethereum bridges will stay operational during any evaluation phase.

Current Starknet Setup and Quantum Timeline Context

Starknet operates as an Ethereum layer-2 network that already uses quantum-resistant STARK proofs for its core validity system. Account abstraction allows post-quantum signatures, yet the network still depends on Ethereum for data availability and bridge security, both of which rely on elliptic-curve cryptography considered vulnerable to future quantum attacks.

Ethereum has targeted quantum resistance around 2029, while StarkWare has outlined an internal goal of 2027. A three-phase roadmap published in June 2026 details steps toward post-quantum signatures and infrastructure upgrades. The community poll reflects concerns that reliance on Ethereum could limit control over security upgrades needed to address quantum risks earlier.

The proposal for an independent L1 would give Starknet direct governance over its consensus and cryptographic choices. Any eventual move would require separate detailed proposals and an additional community vote. The current poll only authorizes initial research into feasibility, costs, and security implications.

Research Phase Begins With November Whitepaper Target

Work on the research effort starts immediately after the poll results. A draft whitepaper is scheduled for public review in November 2026. The document will cover technical architecture options, migration paths, and economic considerations for an independent chain.

Community members can submit input through the Starknet forum as the working group refines its scope. Findings from the research will determine whether concrete transition proposals are developed later. No funding commitments or code changes have been authorized at this stage.

The process keeps Ethereum interoperability intact while exploring long-term options. Observers note that similar governance exercises on other networks have produced extended research periods before any final decisions.