StarkNet continues to solidify its position as a leading Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, leveraging cutting-edge zero-knowledge (ZK) technology to deliver high throughput, low-cost transactions, and seamless developer experiences. With a robust pipeline of technical upgrades, strategic integrations, and ecosystem expansions, StarkNet is entering a pivotal phase in 2025 that promises to accelerate adoption across DeFi, payments, and cross-chain interoperability.
This comprehensive overview explores the latest developments shaping StarkNet’s trajectory, including upcoming protocol upgrades, major ecosystem partnerships, and critical milestones in its long-term roadmap.
Upcoming Protocol Upgrade: StarkNet v0.13.6
Scheduled for mainnet deployment on July 8, StarkNet v0.13.6 marks a significant step toward future scalability. Following its testnet release on June 30, this update lays the groundwork for integrating S-Two, StarkWare’s next-generation STARK proof system. While S-Two itself won’t go live with this version, v0.13.6 introduces essential compatibility enhancements that will enable faster proof generation once S-Two is activated.
The impact of S-Two is expected to be transformative:
- Proof time reduction: Blocks with up to 2 billion L2 gas will be proven in under three minutes.
- Cost efficiency: Verification costs are projected to drop by at least 50%, directly benefiting users and dApps through lower fees.
Importantly, v0.13.6 maintains current transaction pricing and user experience, ensuring a smooth transition. However, Cairo Native—a performance-optimized execution environment—will be temporarily disabled during this phase but is slated for reintegration in Q3 2025.
👉 Discover how next-gen ZK upgrades are reshaping blockchain efficiency.
Expanding Wallet Integration: Xverse Now Supports StarkNet
In a move that strengthens Bitcoin’s presence in the ZK ecosystem, Xverse, a leading self-custodial Bitcoin wallet, will integrate StarkNet by the end of June. This integration allows users to:
- Create and manage StarkNet accounts directly within the Xverse app.
- Hold and transfer Layer 2 tokens like STRK.
- Swap BTC for STRK seamlessly.
This partnership bridges the gap between Bitcoin’s security and Ethereum’s scalable smart contract capabilities. The initial phase focuses on basic wallet functions, with plans to extend support to all major StarkNet DeFi protocols in the near future.
For Bitcoin holders, this opens a new avenue to participate in ZK-powered DeFi without leaving their trusted wallet environment.
Token Unlock Schedule: What Investors Need to Know
StarkNet’s tokenomics remain a focal point for investors as scheduled unlocks continue throughout 2025. These events release previously locked STRK tokens, potentially influencing market dynamics.
Key upcoming unlocks include:
- July 15: 127 million STRK (~3.79% of circulating supply)
- June 15: 127 million STRK (~4.09% of circulating supply)
- May 15: 127 million STRK (~4.37% of circulating supply)
Earlier in the year, smaller unlocks occurred in April and February, each releasing either 127 million or 64 million tokens depending on the vesting schedule.
While these releases could increase selling pressure, the ecosystem's rapid development—particularly in DeFi and infrastructure—may help absorb supply through utility-driven demand.
Unified Financial Layer: A New Era for StarkNet DeFi
StarkNet is rolling out a two-phase initiative to build a unified financial layer, aiming to revolutionize composability and capital efficiency across decentralized finance applications.
Phase One: Cross-Asset Unified Margin
This upcoming upgrade will consolidate lending markets, spot trading, vaults, and perpetual contracts under a single margin system. Users will be able to use one asset as collateral across multiple financial services without needing to move funds between isolated protocols.
Phase Two: Native EVM Compatibility with Embedded Margin
Building on the first phase, StarkNet plans to introduce a fully open EVM-compatible environment with native support for unified margining at the protocol level. This will allow Ethereum-native developers to deploy applications with advanced risk management features out of the box.
Deployment is expected within weeks, marking one of the most significant upgrades to StarkNet’s DeFi stack in 2025.
Bringing Bitcoin Liquidity Onchain: tBTC on AVNU
Bitcoin’s deep liquidity is now accessible within the StarkNet ecosystem thanks to the launch of tBTC on AVNU, a leading DEX aggregator. tBTC is a trust-minimized synthetic Bitcoin token backed 1:1 by real BTC, enabling seamless trading and yield opportunities on Layer 2.
This integration connects Bitcoin’s monetary premium with Ethereum’s scalable execution layer, creating new possibilities for cross-chain strategies and enhancing capital efficiency across both networks.
Developers can now build Bitcoin-denominated financial products—such as leveraged trading, lending pools, or structured yields—on StarkNet using tBTC as an underlying asset.
Global Community Engagement: Workshops and Startup Initiatives
StarkNet remains committed to fostering global developer and founder communities through targeted events.
Recent highlights include:
- A technical workshop in Las Vegas (May 28) focused on trustless Bitcoin node synchronization and privacy enhancements.
- The Startup House program launch in Monterrey, Mexico (June 18–20), offering mentorship, market entry strategy, and VC introductions for early-stage founders building on StarkNet.
- A community meetup in Porto, Portugal (February 4) centered on learning and collaboration among ecosystem contributors.
These initiatives reflect StarkNet’s dual focus: advancing core technology while nurturing the next generation of Web3 innovators.
Infrastructure Partnerships: Karnot and Extended DEX
Karnot Accelerator Integration
StarkPay, StarkNet’s payment platform, has completed integration with the Karnot Accelerator Program, which provides dedicated scaling infrastructure for app-specific chains on StarkNet. This collaboration enhances StarkPay’s performance and reliability, reinforcing its role in real-world payment use cases.
Extended DEX Testnet Launch
The decentralized exchange Extended has launched on StarkNet testnet, featuring:
- Over 50 trading pairs (crypto and traditional assets)
- A community liquidity provider vault
- Planned support for spot trading and lending
Mainnet deployment is expected soon, adding depth to StarkNet’s growing DeFi landscape.
FAQ: Common Questions About StarkNet (STRK)
Q: What is the purpose of StarkNet v0.13.6?
A: It prepares the network for S-Two, the next-gen STARK prover, by introducing compatibility changes while maintaining current UX and fees.
Q: How does tBTC benefit StarkNet users?
A: tBTC brings native Bitcoin liquidity to StarkNet DeFi, enabling BTC-backed lending, trading, and yield generation without intermediaries.
Q: Are STRK token unlocks likely to affect price?
A: While unlocks increase circulating supply, ongoing ecosystem growth—especially in DeFi and wallet adoption—may offset downward pressure by increasing utility demand.
Q: What is unified margining?
A: It allows users to use a single collateral asset across multiple financial services (e.g., lending, trading), improving capital efficiency and reducing friction.
Q: Can Ethereum developers build on StarkNet easily?
A: Yes—especially after the upcoming EVM-compatible environment launch, which will simplify porting dApps from Ethereum.
Q: Is Cairo Native still part of StarkNet?
A: Temporarily paused during v0.13.6 but planned for reintegration in Q3 2025 with performance optimizations.
👉 See how top ZK projects are driving Ethereum scalability forward.
Final Thoughts: StarkNet’s Momentum in 2025
With strategic upgrades like S-Two integration, unified DeFi infrastructure, and expanded wallet access via Xverse, StarkNet is positioning itself at the forefront of the ZK revolution. Its growing ecosystem—from tBTC liquidity to startup incubation—demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainable growth.
As mainnet deployments accelerate and developer activity surges, StarkNet is not just scaling Ethereum—it's redefining what scalable, composable Web3 applications can achieve.
Whether you're an investor tracking token unlocks or a builder exploring ZK rollups, now is a critical moment to engage with StarkNet’s evolving landscape.