Cardano

Cardano (ADA) was founded in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Ethereum, as a third-generation blockchain platform built on peer-reviewed academic research and formal verification methods. Using the energy-efficient Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, Cardano aims to provide a more sustainable and scientifically rigorous approach to blockchain development than its predecessors.

The Cardano ecosystem centers around its native ADA token, which enables staking rewards for network validators, and a growing collection of decentralized applications following the launch of smart contract functionality through the Alonzo upgrade. The platform emphasizes interoperability, sustainability, and scalability while supporting DeFi protocols, NFT projects, and identity solutions across emerging markets, particularly in Africa through partnerships with governments and educational institutions.

At CoinDesk, we provide comprehensive Cardano news coverage tracking the platform's methodical development approach, major protocol upgrades, and real-world adoption initiatives. Our reporting covers everything from staking developments and DeFi growth to Cardano's unique governance model and expanding partnerships in developing nations.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Finance

Midnight token rebounds 19% after Wanchain bridge hack, Hoskinson calls for ZK revamp

Charles Hoskinson says the exploit, which briefly sent NIGHT to an all-time low, underscores why the industry needs to move beyond legacy bridge infrastructure.

By Oliver KnightJul 22, 2026

Consensus 2025: Charles Hoskinson, CEO & Founder, Input Output

Web3

SecondFi to shut down after $2.4 million ADA wallet theft

The breach stemmed from a vulnerability in transaction signing software that enabled the derivation of private keys from blockchain transaction data.

By Francisco RodriguesJul 22, 2026

Glasses in front of monitors with code (Kevin Ku/Unsplash)

Markets

Inside Cardano's 'Van Rossum' hard fork, and what it means for users

The Van Rossem hard fork moved Cardano to version 11 on Saturday. And for the first time, Cardano's community voted in the upgrade, not the company that built it.

By Shaurya MalwaJul 20, 2026

Tech

Cardano hands core development to outside teams in decentralization push

Input Output will transfer control of the Haskell node, Plutus, Hydra and other components as founder Charles Hoskinson says the network must change and start growing again.

By Olivier AcunaJul 17, 2026

Charles Hoskinson during Consensus Hong Kong 2026

Markets

Cardano slumps under 20 cents as Hoskinson says he is 'taking a break' after warning of ecosystem failures

Hoskinson's remarks followed a string of setbacks for the ecosystem, including the cancellation of Cardano's flagship conference and the shutdown of a prominent analytics platform.

By Sam ReynoldsJun 4, 2026

Charles Hoskinson during Consensus Hong Kong 2026 (CoinDesk)

Finance

Big tech is 'terrified' of AI agents wiping out ad revenue, says Billions Network CEO

Evin McMullen’s view on AI agents disrupting Google’s and Facebook’s business model was previously shared by Cardano Founder Charles Hoskinson and Cloudflare CSO Stephanie Cohen.

By Olivier AcunaJun 3, 2026

Evin McMullen of Billions Network. (Olivier Acuna/CoinDesk)

Finance

Cardano Summit 2026 canceled after community votes against Foundation funding proposal

The Cardano Foundation's flagship conference was scrapped after a funding proposal failed to secure the two-thirds support required under the blockchain's new governance system.

By Sam ReynoldsJun 1, 2026

Finance

AI agents becoming more relevant than humans by 2035 has Big Tech 'terrified', says Hoskinson

The founder and CEO of Cardano’s Input Output said Google, Amazon and Facebook are terrified because AI agents will not behave like humans when confronted with ads.

By Olivier AcunaMay 6, 2026

Tech

Cardano builder seeks smaller funding slice of $46.8 million for scaling and Bitcoin DeFi

The engineering organization behind Cardano submitted nine proposals totaling $46.8 million for the 2026 voting cycle, down from $97.5 million last year.

By Shaurya MalwaApr 23, 2026