Starknet Surges 20% After Announcing Plans to Become a Layer 1 Blockchain
Starknet wants to leave Ethereum behind — and the market is listening
Starknet, a network built on Ethereum to help it process more transactions faster, announced it wants to become a standalone Layer 1 blockchain. Following the news, its token jumped about 20%, according to Decrypt.
The shift marks a significant change in direction for the project, which has spent years building as an Ethereum scaling solution known as a Layer 2 — or L2. Layer 2 networks are secondary systems built on top of a main blockchain like Ethereum to handle transactions more quickly and cheaply, while still relying on the main network for security.
Key numbers
- Starknet's token rose roughly 20% after the announcement
- The network currently operates as an Ethereum Layer 2 solution
- The project now says it aims to become an independent Layer 1 blockchain
Why the switch matters
Becoming a Layer 1 would mean Starknet runs its own blockchain independently, rather than depending on Ethereum's infrastructure. This gives the network full control over its security model, fees, and upgrade path — but it also means taking on responsibilities it currently shares with Ethereum.
What is confirmed
Starknet announced it wants to become a Layer 1 blockchain. Its token price jumped approximately 20% in response. This was reported by Decrypt on October 9, 2026.
What is still unclear
The source material does not provide details on when Starknet expects to complete the transition, what technical steps are involved, or how it plans to separate from Ethereum's security. Those specifics were not included in the provided source.
Why this matters for crypto investors
Moves like this — when a major Layer 2 projects declares independence — often signal bigger architectural changes ahead. Investors should watch for official updates from Starknet about timelines and technical plans before drawing conclusions about what the switch means for the network's future.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.