$ADA

Cardano (ADA) is an open-source Proof of Stake (PoS) blockchain network that features a wide variety of design components, including a platform for the development of dApps, a multi-asset compatible ledger, and verifiable smart contracts.

The creation and ongoing development of Cardano are based on an extensive body of academic research, primarily from Ouroboros, a secure and verifiable PoS blockchain protocol. This is often used to distinguish the project from competing blockchain protocols.

The transaction ledger leverages a modified version of UTXO to accommodate the admission of smart contracts, which is currently under development.