Last Call for Starknet Hacker House Applications

Starknet has released its post-quantum cryptography roadmap, addressing the looming threat of quantum computers breaking current blockchain security. **Key Features:** - Hash-based STARKs provide quantum-resistant cryptographic proofs - Native Account Abstraction enables security upgrades without protocol changes - Post-quantum wallets are already deployable on the network today The network was designed with quantum threats in mind from inception. STARKs are inherently resistant to quantum attacks, while the upgradeable wallet architecture allows security evolution as quantum computing advances. Starknet positions itself ahead of other blockchains facing "Q Day" - the anticipated moment when quantum computers become powerful enough to break traditional cryptographic systems. The remaining implementation work is described as relatively minimal compared to other networks. The roadmap provides a technical pathway for maintaining security in a post-quantum computing era.

**Privacy features for USDC are now operational on Starknet**, enabling users to conduct private transfers and swaps with the familiar stablecoin. **Key capabilities:** - Shield USDC into private balances with one click - Execute confidential swaps through Ready and Xverse wallets - Unshield back to standard ERC-20 behavior anytime - Maintain full auditability for tax and legal compliance Powered by **STRK20**, Starknet's privacy framework for ERC-20 assets, the feature allows users to transact without exposing balances, amounts, or counterparties on the public ledger. Transactions cost a flat 4 STRK with no variable pricing. The privacy pool strengthens as more users join, making individual transactions harder to isolate. An encrypted viewing key enables selective disclosure to authorized auditors when legally required. [Learn more about USDC privacy features](https://www.starknet.io/privacy-features-for-usdc-on-starknet/)

**The Problem with Stablecoin Transparency** Stablecoins face a fundamental privacy challenge: blockchain transparency exposes every transaction detail by default. - Sender and recipient addresses are publicly visible - Transaction amounts and timing are recorded permanently - This creates operational risks for businesses **Business Operations at Risk** The lack of privacy makes several critical functions difficult to execute onchain: - Payroll processing - Treasury management - Supplier payments - OTC trading flows - Capital deployment strategies A new solution appears to address these limitations, potentially enabling confidential stablecoin transactions at scale.

**STRK20** introduces privacy features for ERC-20 tokens on Starknet while maintaining regulatory compliance through encrypted viewing keys. **Key Features:** - Private balances, transfers, and swaps for any ERC-20 on Starknet - Fixed cost of 4 $STRK per transaction, regardless of size - Single shared privacy pool that strengthens as more users join - Encrypted viewing keys allow authorized auditors to access specific information on legitimate requests **How It Works:** Users can shield ERC-20 tokens into private balances, conduct private transactions, then unshield with one click—all within the same wallet and liquidity pools. The framework leverages Starknet's provable computation capabilities to verify private transactions without exposing details. As the privacy pool grows with more users and assets, individual transactions become harder to isolate. **Ecosystem Expansion:** STRK20 is rolling out across Starknet with integrations for [avnu](https://avnu.fi) and [Ekubo](https://ekubo.org), plus an open-source SDK. The [Proof of Privacy incubator](https://starknet.io) supports teams building private applications for payments, trading, identity, and DeFi. *Privacy by default, accountability when required.*

**Private swaps are now live on Starknet**, marking a significant milestone for privacy-focused DeFi on the network. **Key features:** - Private transactions enabled through Paymaster integration - Powered by AVNU protocol - Available on Starknet Mainnet This launch represents Starknet's entry into privacy-preserving DeFi, allowing users to execute token swaps without publicly exposing transaction details on-chain. The announcement includes a guide for users to begin swapping privately on the platform.