#CryptoRoundTableRemarks Cardano (ADA) is a third-generation, open-source, decentralized blockchain platform founded on peer-reviewed academic research and a strong emphasis on security and sustainability. Developed by Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), Cardano employs a unique Ouroboros proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, designed to be energy-efficient and scalable.

Its layered architecture separates the settlement layer (for ADA transactions) from the computational layer (for smart contracts). Cardano's development follows a phased roadmap (Byron, Shelley, Goguen, Basho, Voltaire), progressively adding functionalities like staking, native asset support, and governance features. With a focus on formal verification and rigorous testing, Cardano aims to provide a robust and scalable infrastructure for decentralized applications and societal systems.