An open optimization challenge backed by StarkWare and the Starknet Foundation has cut the gas cost of verifying Falcon-512 quantum-safe signatures roughly in half on Starknet. The current leading implementation achieves verification at approximately $0.023 per transaction at recent STRK token prices.
Contest results and technical progress
The challenge, which launched around October 18, 2026, asked participants and AI agents to optimize how cheaply a Falcon-512 signature could be verified within Starknet's Cairo environment. The baseline implementation from OpenZeppelin consumed 48.4 million gas per verification. The current leading implementation sits at approximately 25.9 million gas, representing close to a 2x improvement.
Within weeks, 434 successive records were set during the competition. Each result is publicly credited and verified.
Context and earlier benchmarks
In July 2026, a mainnet transfer using a Falcon-512 account on Starknet cost around $0.06. That transaction was described as experimental and unaudited, serving as a proof of concept rather than a production-ready solution. The two figures measure slightly different operations: the July cost covered a full account transfer, while the current $0.023 figure refers specifically to the verification step.
Quantum safety and future considerations
Falcon-512 is a post-quantum signature scheme that forms part of StarkWare's broader post-quantum roadmap. StarkWare points to Starknet's STARK-proof architecture as providing quantum resistance at the protocol level, while user accounts rely on schemes like Falcon-512 for signature verification.
The company notes that record-setting optimizations achieved in a contest are not equivalent to audited, production-ready code. Any verifier protecting real funds would require serious review before deployment.
