$ADA Is the native cryptocurrency of the Cardano blockchain, which was launched in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, a co-founder of Ethereum. Cardano aims to provide a more secure and scalable platform for the development of decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts, utilizing a research-driven approach to blockchain technology.

ADA operates on a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros, which is designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional proof-of-work systems. Holders of ADA can participate in the network's governance and staking processes, allowing them to earn rewards for helping to secure the network.

The Cardano ecosystem focuses on interoperability, sustainability, and scalability, making ADA an integral part of its mission to create a more inclusive financial system. As one of the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, ADA has garnered significant attention from investors and developers alike.