#CardanoDebate Cardano (ADA) was launched in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, a co-founder of Ethereum, with the goal of creating a more secure and scalable blockchain. Unlike many cryptocurrencies, Cardano was built on peer-reviewed academic research and developed in phases. Its native token, ADA, is used for transactions, staking, and governance within the network. The Shelley upgrade in 2020 introduced decentralization, followed by the Alonzo upgrade in 2021, enabling smart contracts. Despite criticism for slow development, Cardano has built a strong global community. Its focus on sustainability, interoperability, and scalability continues to shape its role as a leading third-generation blockchain platform.