Cardano $ADA is a third-generation blockchain platform designed for scalability, sustainability, and interoperability. Founded by Charles Hoskinson, a co-founder of Ethereum, Cardano uses a unique proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus called Ouroboros, making it energy-efficient. It's built in layers: the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) handles ADA transactions, while the Cardano Computation Layer (CCL) supports smart contracts and dApps. Cardano is developed through peer-reviewed academic research and aims to solve problems faced by Ethereum and Bitcoin. Its native token, ADA, is used for transactions, staking, and governance. With strong partnerships in education, identity, and DeFi, Cardano aims to bring blockchain solutions to real-world use cases, especially in developing nations.