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.

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

Tech

Charles Hoskinson’s $200 million bet: Midnight goes live to tackle crypto’s biggest flaws

The Cardano founder argues crypto is too public, complex and risky for mainstream use and is backing a privacy-focused network to change that.

By Olivier AcunaMar 30, 2026

Charles Hoskinson is being interviewed in the media center during Consensus Hong Kong 2026

Markets

Cardano price indicator that once preceded a 300% rally is back

Two historically contrarian indicators are flashing simultaneously for ADA, with average holders deeply underwater and derivatives traders piling into the most aggressive short positioning in nearly three years.

By Shaurya MalwaMar 25, 2026

Arrow pointing upwards. PublicDomainPictures/Pixabay)

Markets

Privacy-focused Midnight blockchain to go live next month, says Cardano's Charles Hoskinson

Input Output Global's Founder Charles Hoskinson said Midnight, the long-awaited privacy-focused blockchain, will launch in the final week of March as a partner chain to Cardano.

By Omkar GodboleFeb 12, 2026