Cardano Blockchain Platform

Cardano is a third-generation, proof-of-stake blockchain platform built on peer-reviewed research and developed using evidence-based methods. Founded by Charles Hoskinson (co-founder of Ethereum) in 2015 through Input Output Global IOG, Cardano launched mainnet in September 2017. The native cryptocurrency ADA is named after Ada Lovelace. Key features: Ouroboros consensus (first peer-reviewed proof-of-stake protocol, formally verified for security with epoch-based slot leadership and VRF leader selection, consuming 99 percent less energy than proof-of-work). Layered architecture with Cardano Settlement Layer CSL for ADA transactions and Cardano Computation Layer CCL for smart contracts. Plutus (Turing-complete smart contract language based on Haskell with formal verification for mathematically proven correctness, plus Marlowe DSL for financial contracts). Native tokens multi-asset support without smart contracts reducing gas fees. Stake pools decentralized staking infrastructure operated by community members earning rewards for block production. Hydra Layer 2 scaling using state channels for thousands of transactions per second. Voltaire governance with on-chain treasury and voting system enabling ADA holders to vote on protocol upgrades. Interoperability via sidechains and cross-chain bridges plus Atala PRISM for decentralized identity. Over 150 academic papers published with formal methods for all major protocol components. Treasury system funded by transaction fees for ongoing development.