UPDATE: StarkWare clarifies Layer 1 shift is discussion as Starknet secures $580M
CIE News ·
StarkWare clarified on October 10, 2026, that Starknet becoming an independent Layer 1 is an architectural discussion with no active vote or migration plan, as the network holds $580 million in value.
On October 10, 2026, developer StarkWare described turning Starknet into an independent Layer 1 network as its clearest direction forward, following an initial announcement that the team is considering the move. The project clarified that leaving its status as an Ethereum Layer 2 is currently an open architectural discussion rather than a finalized decision. According to L2BEAT data, Starknet holds roughly $580 million in total value secured as an Ethereum-settled validity rollup.
StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson stated that becoming an independent Layer 1 would allow the network to autonomously manage consensus and security upgrades to reach quantum resistance by 2027 without waiting for Ethereum's roadmap. The proposal currently has no active on-chain governance vote, bridge migration plan, or formal launch date.