Cardano is a blockchain platform and cryptocurrency project that aims to provide a secure and sustainable platform for the development and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It was founded by Charles Hoskinson, one of the co-founders of Ethereum, and developed by IOHK (Input Output Hong Kong), a blockchain research and development company.

Cardano utilizes a unique proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus algorithm called Ouroboros, which aims to be more energy-efficient compared to the proof-of-work (PoW) algorithm used by Bitcoin. The project also places a strong emphasis on peer-reviewed research, formal verification, and security. The Cardano blockchain is designed with layers that separate the settlement layer responsible for handling cryptocurrency transactions (ADA) from the computation layer that handles smart contracts.

One of Cardano's main goals is to address the scalability, interoperability, and sustainability issues faced by existing blockchain platforms. It aims to achieve these goals by implementing a layered architecture, using the Haskell programming language for increased security and reliability, and leveraging academic research and peer review to ensure the quality of the protocol.

Cardano's native cryptocurrency is called ADA. It is used for various purposes within the Cardano ecosystem, including participating in the PoS consensus, staking, and as a medium of exchange for transactions. ADA can also be stored in Cardano-compatible wallets.

The Cardano project is organized into different phases or eras, namely Byron, Shelley, Goguen, Basho, and Voltaire. Each phase introduces new features and improvements to the platform. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the Cardano blockchain had successfully transitioned from the Byron era to the Shelley era, which introduced staking and delegation features. The Goguen era is focused on enabling smart contracts and is expected to enhance the functionality of the Cardano platform.

It's worth noting that my information may not be up to date as my training only goes up until September 2021. For the latest developments and updates on Cardano, I recommend visiting the official Cardano website or referring to other reliable sources.