Is Cardano dead or just building? Analysis

Despite the skepticism, Cardano’s community and developers are confident that Cardano isn’t dead but is moving forward with a deliberate, long-term strategy. What supports this view and what facts confirm the project’s viability?

Hoskinson’s scientific approach

Cardano has always stood out for its scientific, peer-reviewed approach. Instead of rushing updates, the IOHK team, led by Charles Hoskinson, has focused on building a reliable, secure, and scalable architecture. This academic approach may seem slow, but it provides a high level of security and stability, which is essential for long-term success. 

One of the key achievements is the Ouroboros protocol, the first provably secure Proof-of-Stake algorithm developed through peer-reviewed scientific research. Ouroboros provides cryptographically verifiable protection against hacks. The blockchain remains secure as long as 51% of Cardano’s native cryptocurrency ADA) belongs to honest participants who follow the protocol’s rules. This feature makes the ecosystem more resilient to potential threats.

In addition, Cardano continues to develop in the direction of scalability and decentralization. Work is currently underway on the roadmap stages named “Basho” and “Voltaire.”

Basho is aimed at improving scalability and performance through sidechains. Voltaire is for decentralized governance, to completely hand over control of the network to the community. These plans were partially implemented last year, but, according to Hoskinson, there is no limit to perfection. Therefore, he continues to work on the Voltaire code.

Recently, plans were announced to integrate Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD, which could significantly expand the project’s capabilities, attract new users, and provide a stable environment for financial operations.

Together, these steps show that Cardano continues to evolve, solving complex technical challenges with a focus on quality. For those asking, “Is ADA Cardano dead?” the answer is obvious: the project is still actively building. Its measured pace reflects caution and attention to detail rather than stagnation.

Cardano’s expanding ecosystem

Another strong argument in favor of Cardano is the company’s strategic approach to development and interaction with other blockchains. The project does not aim to exist in isolation but instead looks for ways to interact with other major networks. 

An example of this approach is the concept of “blockchain abstraction”, which Charles Hoskinson presented at Paris Blockchain Week 2025. His idea is to create bridges and protocols that will allow Cardano to link with giants such as Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin. The goal is to create a single, interconnected space where assets and information can move freely between different networks.

Cardano is also actively forming new partnerships. In August 2025, it announced a joint project with Ripple to add XRP to Cardano’s Lace wallet and enable payroll services using the RLUSD stablecoin on the blockchain.

Such collaborations show that Cardano is recognized in the industry as a reliable and important player. This is not a “dead” network but a platform with a clear plan to expand its influence and integrate into the global financial system. The inclusion of ADA in Grayscale’s multi-currency ETF is a prime example of this.

The growing number of dApps, NFT projects, and financial services built on Cardano also proves that the ecosystem is alive and thriving, attracting new developers and users.

The bottom line

The question “Is Cardano dead?” is not relevant today. The slow pace of development, which is often perceived as a sign of decline, is actually a consequence of a unique scientific approach. Cardano bets on quality, security, and important collaborations, not on rapid market expansion. Phased technological development, which clearly follows the roadmap, is proof that the project is active and viable.

Most importantly, Cardano, led by Hoskinson, is paving the way for a future where different blockchains can work together seamlessly. This project is an example of how a deliberate strategy and long-term vision can lead to success, despite short-term criticism and market instability.