#CardanoDebate The "Cardano Debate" centers on the project's slow development versus its scientific approach. Cardano, launched in 2017 by Charles Hoskinson, distinguishes itself through peer-reviewed research and formal verification. As of mid-2025, it ranks in the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap, valued at over $13 billion. Critics argue its rollout—especially of smart contracts (via Alonzo in 2021) and scalability (Hydra)—has been slow, limiting decentralized app (dApp) adoption. As of 2025, Cardano hosts over 1,300 projects but still trails Ethereum in TVL (Total Value Locked), with less than $300 million compared to Ethereum's $60+ billion. Supporters defend Cardano's deliberate approach as ensuring security and sustainability. The debate reflects a broader conflict between rapid innovation and academic rigor in crypto, with Cardano embodying the latter to both praise and frustration.