$ADA ADA is the native cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain, a decentralized platform known for its focus on security, scalability, and sustainability. Launched in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, one of Ethereum's co-founders, Cardano uses a unique proof-of-stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros, which is designed to be more energy-efficient than traditional proof-of-work systems. ADA is used for transactions, staking, and governance within the Cardano ecosystem, enabling users to participate in network decisions.