Cardano
Scientifically-grounded blockchain created by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson.
Cardano (ADA) is a blockchain project that relies on peer-reviewed academic research and formal methods in development. Created by Charles Hoskinson (Ethereum co-founder).
Development through eras:
•Byron — basic infrastructure
•Shelley — decentralization and staking
•Goguen — smart contracts (Plutus)
•Basho — scalability
•Voltaire — governance
Characteristics:
•Ouroboros PoS consensus — mathematically proven secure
•Plutus language for smart contracts (Haskell-based)
•Native assets — tokens without smart contracts
•Staking without lock-up, ~4% APY
Criticisms: slow development compared to competition. Ecosystem is significantly smaller than Ethereum.