Cardano (ADA) is a blockchain platform founded by Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Ethereum. It aims to be a more sustainable, scalable, and interoperable alternative to other blockchain networks. Cardano is known for its research-driven approach, with each development stage peer-reviewed by academic experts. The platform uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism called Ouroboros, which is more energy-efficient than proof-of-work systems. Cardano supports smart contracts and decentralized applications, with a focus on use cases in education, retail, agriculture, government, and other industries. ADA, the native cryptocurrency, is used for transactions, staking, and governance within the Cardano ecosystem.