Cardano (ADA), founded by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson in 2017, takes a meticulous, research-driven approach to blockchain. As of March 22, 2025, its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system, Ouroboros, offers energy efficiency and security, while its layered design separates computation and settlement for flexibility. Cardano’s slow rollout—smart contracts arrived in 2021 via the Alonzo upgrade—drew early skepticism, but its ecosystem now blooms with DeFi projects, NFTs, and identity solutions, particularly in Africa. ADA’s price benefits from staking rewards, with millions of coins locked by holders. In 2025, Cardano’s focus on interoperability and sustainability attracts developers seeking a robust alternative to Ethereum. Critics say it moves too cautiously, but supporters laud its scientific rigor. As blockchain adoption grows, Cardano’s precision engineering positions it as a thoughtful contender, balancing innovation with stability in a fast-evolving crypto landscape.
