Cardano is a research-led Layer 1 using Ouroboros proof-of-stake, focused on security, energy efficiency and predictable upgrades. A layered design separates settlement from computation so smart contracts and scaling can evolve without rewriting the base chain.

• DeFi, stablecoins and native assets on an eUTXO model.
• Identity and impact projects anchored directly on-chain.
• On-chain voting and treasury experiments for governance.
• Formal methods and staged upgrades aimed at long-term reliability.