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

Cardano Announces Partnerships With Dish Network, Chainlink

The tie-up with Chainlink will allow added support for developers working on the Cardano blockchain to develop smart contracts.

By Kevin ReynoldsSep 26, 2021

Markets

Market Wrap: Bitcoin Whipsaws on Fake News, Investors Flow Into Solana Funds

Bitcoin traded in a choppy range on a fake press release about a Walmart partnership with Litecoin.

By Damanick DantesSep 13, 2021

Markets

Solana Funds Outshined Bitcoin Last Week Amid Down Market

Crypto funds focused on Solana’s SOL token garnered almost $50 million of inflows last week, while bitcoin funds brought in a “paltry” $200,000.

By Lyllah LedesmaSep 13, 2021

CoinShares report shows that crypto funds overall netted inflows last week, despite bitcoin's outflows. (CoinShares)

Tech

Cardano Gains Smart Contract Capability Following ‘Alonzo’ Hard Fork

The latest upgrade ushers in an era of smart contract composability for the four-year-old network.

By Sebastian SinclairSep 12, 2021

Videos

Cardano Smart Contracts Set for Sunday, CrossTower Launches in India

Cardano prepares for smart contract deployment on Sunday. CrossTower launches crypto trading platform in India. Animoca’s blockchain gaming platform The Sandbox launches Pororo The Little Penguin NFTs. We’ll have more on those stories and other news shaping the cryptocurrency and blockchain world in this episode of “The Daily Forkast.”

Sep 10, 2021

Markets

Bitcoin Tumbles Most Since May and El Salvador Buys the Dip

Price drop triggers about $3 billion of liquidations of trading positions due to margin calls.

By Bradley KeounSep 7, 2021

Chart of the bitcoin price over the past week shows the impact of Tuesday's wipeout. (CoinDesk)

Markets

Market Wrap: Bitcoin Enters September Slowdown; Cardano’s ADA at New High

Analysts expect bitcoin to weaken this month, as it has in the past, before the next leg up.

By Damanick Dantes, Tracy WangSep 2, 2021

Markets

Cardano’s ADA Tops $3 for First Time as Smart Contracts Enter Test Mode

The token is getting close to $100 billion in market cap

By Tracy WangSep 2, 2021

Charles Hoskinson, CEO and founder of IOHK, the lead developer of Cardano.

Videos

Why Are Altcoins Outperforming Bitcoin?

CoinDesk’s Galen Moore discusses his crypto markets analysis and outlook in response to a chart illustrating altcoins outperforming bitcoin in August. “When you see a chart like this with Cardano and XRP in the top three, that is certainly an indicator of retail froth,” Moore said. Plus, his take on growing institutional interest in crypto.

Sep 1, 2021

Markets