StarkWare has officially released the post-quantum cryptography roadmap for Starknet, detailing a phased migration to quantum-resistant algorithms. The initiative aims to future-proof Starknet's cryptographic foundations against potential quantum computing threats, covering state commitments, contract addresses, network configurations, consensus signatures, and Ethereum-related dependencies.
Phase 1: Hash Replacement and Post-Quantum Consensus Signatures
The first phase centers on replacing the Pedersen hash algorithm—currently used across Starknet for state commitments, contract addresses, and network configurations—with BLAKE2. Pedersen hash, while efficient in zero-knowledge proofs, relies on elliptic curve structures vulnerable to quantum attacks. BLAKE2, a high-speed hash function with quantum-resistant properties, will take over all three use cases. Additionally, Phase 1 introduces Falcon-512 as the post-quantum signature scheme for Starknet consensus. Falcon, based on lattice cryptography, has been selected by NIST as a post-quantum standard, offering compact signatures and strong security guarantees. This signature will replace the current pre-quantum scheme used in block proposal and voting mechanisms.
Phase 2: Migration Tools for Existing Smart Contracts
Phase 2 targets the large number of smart contracts already deployed on Starknet that rely on Pedersen hash or other pre-quantum primitives. StarkWare will provide automated and semi-automated tooling to upgrade hash calls, signature verifications, and related logic within these contracts. The toolchain is expected to include migration guides, contract templates, and testing frameworks to minimize developer friction and ensure a smooth transition without disrupting existing dApps.
Phase 3: Ethereum External Dependencies
The third and most complex phase deals with Starknet's remaining dependencies on Ethereum, particularly bridge system calls and Blob data availability. As a ZK-Rollup layer-2 network, Starknet relies on Ethereum for cross-chain messaging (bridge) and data publication (blobs). Once Ethereum initiates its own post-quantum migration—which has no firm timeline yet—Starknet's bridge and blob mechanisms must synchronize accordingly. StarkWare explicitly notes that Phase 3's progress is contingent on Ethereum's migration path, making it an external dependency in the roadmap.
Overall, StarkWare's roadmap represents a proactive step toward quantum resilience in the ZK-Rollup space. The combination of BLAKE2 and Falcon-512 balances security and performance, and with NIST standards maturing, Starknet positions itself as one of the first major Layer-2 networks to undergo a comprehensive post-quantum migration.