Starknet doubles in a week as plan to leave Ethereum sparks $2 billion trading frenzy Starknet (STRK) experienced a sharp rally last week after the project considered transitioning from Ethereum’s Layer 2 network to an independent Layer 1 blockchain, aiming to build a system resistant to quantum computing threats by 2027. On October 8, 2026, Starknet announced it is actively evaluating becoming a standalone Layer 1 blockchain. According to StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson, operating as an independent network would allow the project to proactively implement security upgrades rather than relying on Ethereum’s development roadmap. This news quickly fueled a surge in STRK’s price. According to Decrypt, the token traded around $0.073 on October 9, rising approximately 20% in 24 hours and more than doubling from its ~$0.03 level in April 2026. The primary driver behind the proposed transition is the threat posed by quantum computers, which could break the cryptographic systems securing cryptocurrency wallets. Starknet aims to become one of the first blockchains to achieve comprehensive quantum resistance by 2027—earlier than Ethereum’s target of late 2029 for core infrastructure components. Currently, Starknet operates as a Layer 2, processing transactions off-chain and submitting data or proofs back to Ethereum to leverage its security. If it transitions to Layer 1, Starknet would gain greater direct control over consensus mechanisms and security upgrades but would also assume full responsibility for network security and operations. STRK’s price surge has been accompanied by intense speculation in the derivatives market. Data from CoinGlass, cited by CoinMarketCap, shows STRK’s open interest rose 53% in 24 hours, while futures trading volume was roughly five times higher than spot trading volume—indicating significant leverage is fueling the rally. However, the plan to become a Layer 1 remains under consideration and requires approval through Starknet’s governance process. The goal of achieving quantum resistance by 2027 does not yet mean the entire system has reached that level of protection. Therefore, while the independence plan could open new growth pathways for Starknet, investors should closely monitor technical progress, governance decisions, and cash flow sustainability. The rapid rise in open interest also means STRK’s price could experience sharp volatility if leveraged positions are liquidated.