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

Cardano differentiates itself from other blockchain platforms through its emphasis on peer-reviewed research, academic principles, and a layered architecture. The platform is designed to be highly secure, scalable, and sustainable, addressing some of the limitations and challenges faced by other blockchain projects.

One of the key features of Cardano is its use of a proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism called Ouroboros. This consensus protocol allows holders of the Cardano cryptocurrency, ADA, to participate in the network's consensus process and earn rewards by staking their ADA holdings.

Cardano's development is driven by a rigorous scientific approach and a strong focus on formal verification and security. The project aims to provide a balance between the needs of regulators, while still offering privacy and financial inclusion to its users.

The Cardano network consists of two layers: the Cardano Settlement Layer (CSL) and the Cardano Computation Layer (CCL). The CSL is responsible for handling ADA transactions, while the CCL is designed to support smart contracts and dApps. This layered architecture provides flexibility and scalability for the network.

Cardano has a strong focus on interoperability, allowing different blockchain platforms and systems to communicate and interact with each other. The project also incorporates a treasury system that allows the community to propose and vote on development projects, ensuring ongoing funding and decentralized governance.

It's worth noting that while Cardano has made significant progress since its launch in 2017, it is an ongoing project and many of its features are still under development. The Cardano team has been following a roadmap with different phases, including Byron, Shelley, Goguen, Basho, and Voltaire, each introducing new capabilities and enhancements to the platform.

Overall, Cardano aims to provide a secure and sustainable blockchain infrastructure that can support a wide range of decentralized applications and financial systems, while also considering the needs of both users and regulators.