Cardano (ADA) is a third-generation blockchain platform designed to provide secure, scalable, and sustainable solutions for decentralized applications and digital finance. Built on peer-reviewed academic research, Cardano uses a unique Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros, which significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional Proof-of-Work systems. ADA, the network’s native token, is used for staking, governance, and transaction fees. Cardano focuses on interoperability, formal verification, and long-term scalability. With ongoing upgrades like Hydra and smart contract enhancements, ADA aims to support enterprise-level applications and drive real-world blockchain adoption across finance, identity management, and global development.