Cardano is undergoing significant changes by adopting a more open and agile development model.
Charles Hoskinson, the founder of the blockchain, announced this change on May 10th, heralding a new chapter for the network.
Cardano Opens Ecosystem…Accelerating Innovation
According to Hoskinson, the new approach allows external contributors to participate more actively in ecosystem building. Additionally, it introduces a flexible workflow that can accelerate innovation while maintaining the platform's security principles.
Hoskinson acknowledged that Cardano's initial design prioritized caution over speed. It focused on formal verification and long-term planning, contributing to building a secure foundation.
However, he admitted that this approach delayed development and made external team contributions difficult.
"The team didn't want deadlines, focused on the purity of practice, and thought in terms of years and decades. This gave us great benefits in an era of unsafe practices, but made it difficult for Cardano to grow and thrive." – Charles Hoskinson, Cardano Founder
To address this, Cardano is introducing smaller and more adaptable teams like Aiken and Midgard.
These groups will work with the formal verification department of Input Output. This department uses advanced tools to ensure code safety. The goal is to combine speed and rigor to allow the network to adapt to changing requirements.
"By 2025, we will open an ecosystem reinforced with small, agile teams like Aiken and Midgard. While maintaining the knowledge, experience, and rigor of the formal methods group using IOR and Agda. We will also see various clients that will challenge the assumptions, design, and functions of previous teams to accommodate new protocols, economic realities, and community development." – Charles Hoskinson, Cardano Founder
He added that this new hybrid approach will encourage innovation while maintaining Cardano's core strengths.
Meanwhile, Hoskinson acknowledged that some community members might resist change and prefer the platform's initial methods. Nevertheless, he believes this evolution is necessary for Cardano to fully realize its potential.
"Sometimes I miss the old days. But the new days will be full of greater opportunities and exciting new capabilities. That is the essence of every great product and project." – Charles Hoskinson, Cardano Founder
This transition has already impacted Cardano's internal structure.
Several contributors were fired after planning to delay the Leios upgrade to 2028. Hoskinson made it clear that such delays are no longer acceptable.
Because I want Leios in 2026 not 2028 and I value Pragma and different ideas and implementations. No more fucking games or delays. Cardano needs to get to the next level.
Jeff Watson, Engineering Director at Input Output, confirmed that the team is hiring new contractors. These will be recruited from within the Cardano ecosystem to drive the Leios upgrade.
"We are in the process of hiring new contractors through the Cardano ecosystem along with existing providers with networking expertise. Onboarding takes time, but it is within an acceptable timeframe." – Jeff Watson, Input Output Engineering Director
Meanwhile, Cardano's strategic change reflects the broader blockchain industry trend where competing blockchain networks like Ethereum are releasing upgrades faster to maintain momentum.
Cardano is now moving in that direction while trying not to lose its security-first mindset that built its reputation.
Disclaimer: The content above is only the author's opinion which does not represent any position of Followin, and is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, investment advice from Followin.
