$ADA Proof-of-Stake (PoS): Cardano uses a unique PoS consensus mechanism called Ouroboros, which is known for its energy efficiency and security compared to Proof-of-Work (PoW) systems like Bitcoin.

* Layered Architecture: It has a two-layer architecture: the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) for transactions and the Cardano Computation Layer (CCL) for smart contracts. This design aims to enhance scalability and flexibility.

* Smart Contracts: Cardano supports smart contracts, allowing developers to build decentralized applications (dApps) on the platform.

* Academic and Scientific Approach: A distinguishing feature of Cardano is its emphasis on peer-reviewed research and evidence-based development, involving a global team of academics and engineers.

* Decentralized Governance: ADA holders can participate in the governance of the network, voting on proposed changes and upgrades.

* Scalability and Sustainability: It aims to address the scalability issues faced by earlier blockchains while being environmentally friendly.

* Interoperability: Cardano is working on enabling seamless interaction with other blockchain networks.

* What is ADA used for?

* Transactions: As the native currency, ADA is used to pay for transaction fees on the Cardano network.

* Staking: ADA holders can "stake" their tokens to participate in the network's security and consensus mechanism, earning rewards for their contribution.

* Governance: Staked ADA also grants voting rights in the platform's decentralized governance.

* Current Status: As of June 14, 2025, there are over 2,000 projects building on Cardano, and its ecosystem continues to grow. Its price currently sits around $0.62 USD.

Cardano positions itself as a "third-generation" blockchain, aiming to provide a more scalable, secure, and sustainable platform for decentralized applications and global systems.