Cardano is entering a new era, becoming a fully community-driven platform. This development phase completes key phases of the project: Byron (base), Shelley (decentralization), Goguen (smart contracts), Basho (scalability) and Voltaire (decentralized management).
In November 2024, Charles Hoskinson, CEO of Input Output (IO), presented in video «After Voltaire, the next evolution of Cardano» vision for the future development of the network. In it, he emphasized the importance of community participation in shaping the future roadmap.
IO suggested your version of priority development directions for consideration Intersect Product CommitteeIn this plan, three key areas are highlighted:
1. Scalability – ensuring high throughput and low fees while maintaining decentralization and security.
2. Convenience and practical benefits – improving user experience, implementing digital identity, privacy and compatibility with regulators.
3. Compatibility and extensibility – Integrate Cardano with other blockchains without the need for centralized bridges.
Scalability
Cardano plans to support billions of users by 2030 by implementing new technologies:
1. Hydra – a second-level solution for ultra-fast and low-cost transactions with the possibility of further expansion.
2. ZK and Optimistic rollups – combining multiple transactions into one block to improve network efficiency.
3. Ouroboros Leios and Peras – a new consensus algorithm that speeds up transaction confirmation from 12 hours to 2 minutes.
4. Mithril – lightweight cryptographic certificates for node operation without full blockchain synchronization.
5. Updated Daedalus – the new local node will replace Daedalus, making it lighter and faster.
6. Catalyst – a decentralized project financing platform where $125 million has already been allocated for 2000+ initiatives.
7. Improvement of the network core - new incentive system for stake pools, anti-spam mechanisms, multi-level pricing.
These solutions will allow Cardano to effectively support DeFi, gaming, micropayments, and even global infrastructure projects, including decentralized communications networks (DePINs).
Convenience and practical benefits
Ease of use, security, and regulatory compliance are essential for mass adoption of blockchain. Cardano is developing key initiatives:
1. Hyperledger Identity – a decentralized system of digital identification and personal data management.
2. Midnight – Cardano partner network with support confidential smart contracts via ZK protocols.
3. Babel fees – the ability to pay fees in any token, not just ADA.
4. Simplifying Smart Contract Development – support for Plutus, Aiken, Plu-ts, Plinth, formal code verification.
Compatibility and extensibility
Cardano aims to go beyond traditional bridges and build secure cross-chain infrastructure:
1. New architectural node layer – support for modular structure, acceleration of development.
2. Minotaur – a new consensus mechanism for secure operation with other blockchains.
3. Decentralized service layers – connecting blockchains without having to trust centralized intermediaries.
4. Hybrid DApps – smart contracts that work on multiple blockchains at once without bridges.
5. Integration with Bitcoin – the ability to use Cardano as a smart contract layer for BTC.
Conclusion
In the era of decentralized governance, the future of Cardano will be determined by the community. IO’s roadmap offers ambitious and forward-looking developments, making the network fast, user-friendly, and compatible with other ecosystems. These steps will enable Cardano to support complex decentralized applications, ensure data security, and expand the boundaries of the blockchain industry.
