Cardano

Cardano (ADA) is a proof-of-stake blockchain platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications. Charles Hoskinson, an earlier contributor to Ethereum, launched the project in 2017. The network grew out of academic research, and scientists and cryptographers review each major feature before it is added.

ADA is the native asset of the network. It moves value between users, covers transaction fees and gives holders a voice in governance decisions. Holders can lock ADA to act as validators, and the network picks them by the size and duration of their stake. This method needs far less energy than proof-of-work mining.

The design splits ordinary payments from smart contract activity into two layers, which lets each be optimized separately. Responsibility is shared among three organizations. Input Output Global develops the core software, the Cardano Foundation supports adoption and standards, and Emurgo assists businesses that want to use blockchain technology.

Among the most active applications in October 2026 were Minswap, a multi-pool decentralized exchange, Dano Finance, a platform for lending and borrowing, and Wayup, an NFT marketplace created by Anvil.