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.

Podcasts

Weekend Explainer | Crypto Staking 101: What Is Staking?

By Adrian Blust, Adam B. LevineOct 8, 2022

Weekend Story | The Short-Sightedness of Run-Amok Regulators

Finance

Cardano's Founding Entity Emurgo to Invest Over $200M to Boost Ecosystem

The funds will be invested in projects over a three-year period.

By Shaurya MalwaSep 29, 2022

Coin98 joins a growing roster of DeFi protocols crafting their own stablecoin. (Unsplash, modified by CoinDesk)

Videos

The Significance of Cardano’s Big Change

Here's what you should know about the Cardano Vasil upgrade as it completes the first phase. This story and other news shaping the cryptocurrency world in this episode of "The Daily Forkast."

Sep 23, 2022

Tech

Cardano’s Vasil Upgrade Marks an Important Milestone in the Blockchain’s Evolution

The chief scientist at IOG, Aggelos Kiayias, explains why Cardano has re-thought smart contracts and how it prioritizes security over speed.

By Ian AllisonSep 22, 2022

Chief scientist at IOG Aggelos Kiayias (Provided)

Podcasts

What Cardano’s Highly Anticipated Vasil Hard Fork Will Bring; Iran to Start Testing a Digital Rial Soon

By Adam B. Levine, Christie Harkin, Jennifer SanasieSep 21, 2022

Videos

Cardano’s Vasil Hard Fork Expected to Go Live This Week

The Cardano blockchain will carry out its much-anticipated Vasil hard fork, a backward-incompatible upgrade taking place on the main network. “The Hash” panel discusses how the fork is intended to enrich smart contract capabilities, increase the chain’s throughput and reduce costs.

Sep 21, 2022

Tech

What Cardano’s Highly Anticipated Vasil Hard Fork Will Bring

Vasil delivers an updated version of Cardano’s smart contract scripting language: Plutus v2.

By Ian AllisonSep 20, 2022

The Cardano hard fork is expected on Sept. 22. (Yuri_Arcurs/E+/Getty Images)

Markets

Ether y cardano lideran una fuerte caída ante un dólar estadounidense que se fortalece

Algunos analistas afirman que el inminente endurecimiento monetario podría sumarse a una derrota global de los principales activos, como las acciones y criptomonedas.

By Shaurya MalwaSep 7, 2022

GMX tokens are serving as a proxy bet for Arbitrum investors. (Jason Briscoe/Unsplash)

Markets

Ether, ADA Lead Steep Crypto Slide Amid Dollar Strength

Some analysts said impending monetary tightening could add to a global rout across major asset classes such as equities and crypto.

By Shaurya MalwaSep 7, 2022

Markets

First Mover Asia: Ethereum's Merge Starts to Hit Gaming Chip Prices

Prices for graphics processing units for personal computers are tumbling ahead of the Ethereum blockchain's upcoming shift, which is already reducing demand for chips from cryptocurrency miners.

By Sam Reynolds, Bradley KeounSep 5, 2022