Cardano (ADA)
Cardano is a third-generation blockchain platform aiming to provide a more secure and scalable infrastructure compared to the previous two generations (Bitcoin and Ethereum). It was developed using a scientific methodology based on academic research and is the first blockchain to be developed through peer-reviewed academic reviews.
Founder: Charles Hoskinson, one of the co-founders of Ethereum.
Consensus Mechanism: Proof of Stake via the Ouroboros protocol.
Digital Token: ADA, named after mathematician Ada Lovelace.
Project Goals
Cardano aims to:
Provide a decentralized platform for Smart Contracts and DApps.
Achieving scalability and flexibility through a multi-layered architecture.
Supporting decentralized governance through an internal voting system.
Providing solutions in areas such as education, digital identity, supply chains, and financial services.
Market Capitalization and Circulating Supply
Current Price: Approximately $0.71.
Market Capitalization: Ranges between $25 billion and $32 billion, depending on the source.
Circulating Supply: Approximately 35.3 billion ADA.
Max Supply: 45 billion ADA.
Roadmap
Cardano's roadmap is divided into five phases:
1. Byron: Launch of the main network.
2. Shelley: Full decentralization.
3. Goguen: Supporting smart contracts.
4. Basho: Improving scalability.
5. Voltaire: Implementing decentralized governance.
Currently, Cardano is focusing on the Basho and Voltaire phases to improve performance and governance.
Supporters and Partners
Cardano is supported by three main entities:
Cardano Foundation: Oversees the development of the ecosystem.
Input Output Global (IOG): responsible for software development.
Emurgo: Works on adopting Cardano in business.
Additionally, Cardano received increased institutional support, including its inclusion in the strategic reserve of cryptocurrencies announced by President Donald Trump, enhancing its legitimacy and adoption.
Notable Projects and Partnerships
Ethiopia: Developing a Digital Identity System for 5 million students.
Georgia: Educational Credential Verification System.
New Balance: Tracking the authenticity of athletic shoes.
World Mobile: Providing internet services in rural Africa.
Project Catalyst: A decentralized funding platform that has supported over 2,000 projects worth over $150 million.
Use Cases and Applications
Cardano supports:
Smart Contracts via Plutus language.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
Digital Identities.
Supply Chains.
Decentralized Governance.
Summary
Cardano is among the prominent blockchain projects focusing on scientific research and decentralized governance. With increasing institutional support and practical projects across various fields, Cardano continues to strengthen its position in the cryptocurrency market.
