With the competition in the Layer 2 space becoming increasingly fierce, Ethereum’s leading ZK-Rollup project Starknet has launched a significant update, injecting new vitality into the Layer 2 ecosystem. Starknet recently announced the launch of Bitcoin (BTC) staking functionality, becoming the first Layer 2 network to allow BTC holders to directly participate in its consensus mechanism. This innovative move not only positions BTC to account for 25% of the Starknet consensus, but also significantly reduces the unbonding period for STRK and BTC stakers from the original 21 days to 7 days.

This upgrade immediately triggered a positive reaction in the market. After the announcement was released, Starknet's native token STRK price quickly rose by 7.3%, reaching a peak of $0.139 during the session, setting a new high for nearly a month. This price movement fully reflects investors' recognition and expectations for Starknet's new features.

Starknet, as a decentralized ZK-Rollup Layer2 network based on Ethereum, has always relied on its high throughput and low Gas fees as core competitive advantages. Before this upgrade, Starknet's total value locked (TVL) on-chain had reached a scale of 1.2 billion USD, supporting various application scenarios including DeFi and NFTs.

The introduction of BTC staking functionality marks a significant innovation in Starknet's consensus mechanism. Previously, Starknet used a single STRK staking consensus mechanism, where validators needed to stake STRK tokens to participate in network consensus. Now, by introducing BTC staking, Starknet not only broadens the range of assets participating in consensus but also provides Bitcoin holders with a new avenue for value appreciation.

This initiative may have a profound impact on the Layer2 ecosystem. It not only enhances the network security and decentralization of Starknet but may also attract more Bitcoin holders to participate in the Ethereum Layer2 ecosystem, promoting the flow and interoperability of cross-chain assets. At the same time, the decision to shorten the stake unlocking period greatly improves the flexibility of fund usage, which may further stimulate user participation.

With the increasing importance of Layer 2 solutions in the cryptocurrency space, Starknet's innovative initiative undoubtedly provides new ideas for the entire industry. It demonstrates how to address scalability issues through technological innovation and cross-chain collaboration, while also pointing out possible development directions for other Layer 2 projects. In the future, we may see more Layer 2 projects adopting similar strategies to further promote the development and application of blockchain technology.