$ADA Cardano (ADA) is a decentralized, proof-of-stake blockchain platform designed for secure and scalable smart contracts. Launched in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, a co-founder of Ethereum, Cardano aims to balance security, sustainability, and interoperability. ADA is the native cryptocurrency used to power transactions and governance on the network. Unlike many blockchains, Cardano uses a layered architecture, separating the settlement and computation layers, which enhances flexibility and security. Its consensus mechanism, Ouroboros, is energy-efficient and highly secure. Cardano is widely recognized for its academic and research-driven development, with peer-reviewed protocols and regular upgrades focused on real-world applications in finance, education, and identity. #ADA!