Key Takeaways
- Starknet (STRK) has surged 59% to $0.1192 as traders respond to the project’s proposed shift toward an independent blockchain.
- StarkWare is considering making Starknet a Layer 1 network to pursue quantum-resistant security by 2027, although no final decision has been made.
- About 127 million STRK are scheduled to unlock on October 15, adding potential selling pressure after the rally.
Starknet is among the biggest gainers in the crypto market today, on October 11, climbing 59% to $0.1192 as investors react to the project’s plans to potentially become an independent Layer 1 blockchain.
The rally follows comments from StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson about moving Starknet away from its current role as an Ethereum Layer 2 and building a network that can introduce stronger protection against future quantum-computing threats.
Notably, STRK had already climbed sharply in the days following the announcement, trading near $0.073 on October 9. The latest move extends that rally as attention shifts toward Starknet’s possible 2027 roadmap and its implications for the network.
However, the Layer 1 transition remains under consideration, while a scheduled token unlock on October 15 introduces another factor for traders to watch.
STRK Jumps 59% as Starknet Attracts Buyers
Starknet’s rally accelerated over the weekend, with STRK reaching about $0.1192 after a 59% gain during the reported trading period.
The move follows several days of strong buying activity that began when StarkWare publicly discussed changing Starknet’s underlying blockchain structure.
On October 9, STRK traded around $0.073, up roughly 20% in 24 hours. The token had also more than doubled from its April price near $0.03, suggesting the latest announcement came during an ongoing recovery.
The rally comes as investors reassess Starknet’s long-term direction, particularly whether becoming an independent blockchain could give the project more control over its technology and development.
Starknet Considers Leaving Ethereum to Become a Layer 1
Starknet currently operates as a Layer 2 network on Ethereum, processing transactions separately to reduce costs and improve speed while relying on Ethereum for settlement and security.
On October 8, Ben-Sasson publicly raised the idea, arguing that advances in quantum computing and artificial intelligence could make it necessary for blockchain networks to upgrade their security systems more quickly.
Starknet later confirmed it was actively considering the transition, aiming to become fully quantum-resistant by 2027.
The proposal has drawn attention because it would mark a major shift in Starknet’s direction after years of positioning itself as an Ethereum scaling network.
Why Starknet Wants Quantum-Resistant Security
Most major blockchains use cryptographic systems to protect wallets and verify transactions. Powerful quantum computers could eventually threaten some of those systems, although the technology needed to carry out such attacks at scale is not currently established.
StarkWare believes Starknet’s existing technology provides a foundation for addressing that risk.
Starknet uses STARK proofs, which rely on cryptographic hash functions rather than mathematical methods that future quantum computers could potentially break.
However, parts of the network still use cryptographic components that would need to be upgraded before Starknet could claim complete quantum resistance.
Ben-Sasson believes becoming a Layer 1 could let Starknet introduce those changes independently, rather than waiting for Ethereum’s broader security roadmap.
The project is targeting 2027, while Ethereum’s current post-quantum roadmap has been discussed with a longer timeline extending toward 2029, giving Starknet a possible point of differentiation.
Starknet’s Recent Network Developments Add to the Rally
Starknet’s v0.14.4 mainnet upgrade went live earlier in October, introducing changes to gas pricing, gateway application programming interfaces (APIs) and support for larger cryptographic proofs through SNIP-36.
These changes are intended to improve the network’s underlying infrastructure as Starknet continues developing its technology.
The project has also been expanding its staking system. Earlier this year, StarkWare introduced additional support for experienced validators through its delegation program, building on the network’s ongoing decentralization efforts.
The program already involves millions of STRK delegated across dozens of validators, with further changes planned as Starknet moves toward more decentralized validation
October 15 Token Unlock Could Test STRK Demand
Despite the strong gains, Starknet faces a scheduled token unlock later this week.
Approximately 127 million STRK are expected to become available on October 15 under the project’s existing token release schedule.
At the October 9 price of about $0.0721, that allocation was worth roughly $9.15 million. At the latest reported price of $0.1192, the same tokens would be worth approximately $15.14 million.
| STRK Unlock Detail | Amount |
| Scheduled unlock date | October 15, 2026 |
| Tokens unlocking | 127 million STRK |
| Share of total 10B supply | 1.27% |
| Value at $0.0721 | $9.15 million |
| Value at $0.1192 | $15.14 million |
Table 1. Starknet’s October 15 Token Unlock
The unlock represents approximately 1.7% of the circulating supply.
However, an unlock does not mean all those tokens will be sold immediately, but the upcoming release could matter more after STRK’s rapid price increase, which may encourage some existing holders to take profits.
What Comes Next for Starknet?
The next major development will be whether StarkWare turns its proposed Layer 1 transition into a formal plan with technical details, governance approval and a confirmed timeline.
Investors will also watch the October 15 STRK unlock to see whether the market can absorb additional supply after the recent rally.
What this means for you: If you are a short-term trader who bought STRK before its recent rally, consider taking some profits rather than waiting for the price to climb further. STRK is already up 59%, and the October 15 token unlock could add selling pressure.
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