Cardano is a third-generation proof-of-stake blockchain that Charles Hoskinson, Ethereum co-founder, launched in 2017. It has a scientific, peer-reviewed approach and is written in Haskell for high reliability. Its Ouroboros consensus protocol is energy-efficient, consuming ~99.95% less power than Bitcoin.

The platform uses a unique two-layer architecture Layer 1 (CSL) handles ADA transactions, while Layer 2 (CCL) manages smart contracts—which significantly improves scalability and security. Each one known as an Era (there have been four thus far, Byron, Shelly, Goguen and Basho) has progressively expanded its capabilities towards the three pillars of decentralized staking, smart contracts and on-chain governance. Used for fees, staking and voting, ADA seeks to provide secure, sustainable financial products in a global scale.