Cardano is a Proof of Stake blockchain platform with the goal of enabling "change-makers, innovators, and visionaries" to bring about positive global changes. This open-source project also seeks to "redistribute power, shifting authority from irresponsible structures to individuals," helping to create a safer, more transparent, and fairer society.
Cardano was founded by Charles Hoskinson, one of the co-founders of the Ethereum network and the CEO of IOHK. The Cardano blockchain was built by IOHK.
Launched in 2017, Cardano introduced the ADA token, which allows holders to participate in the network's operations. Therefore, anyone who proposes changes to the software has the right to vote if they hold ADA tokens. The team behind this layered blockchain states that their technical goal is to develop decentralized applications and smart contracts in a modular form. There are already some notable application cases emerging.
Reference: CoinMarketCap