Cardano developer Input Output is transferring control of key blockchain infrastructure to outside teams, with the process beginning in August and continuing into 2027. The handover covers the Cardano Haskell node, Plutus smart-contract platform, Daedalus wallet, Hydra scaling technology, and developer relations, reducing the network's reliance on the company that originally built it. The move follows Cardano's earlier shift of protocol decisions and governance to its community and represents the next operational phase of the Voltaire era roadmap focused on decentralization.
Input Output Transfers Infrastructure to Se7en Labs and Teragone
Specialist firms including Se7en Labs and Teragone will take responsibility for maintaining core components. Se7en Labs is a development agency focused on blockchain infrastructure, while Teragone leads development of Mithril, a stake-based signature protocol for Cardano. Input Output CEO and Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson said in the statement that the handover represents "the last stage of the Voltaire era" involving "full decentralization of node and reference blueprint development."
Member organizations including Intersect and Pragma are expected to oversee formal specifications, with development subject to community review and voting. Input Output will shift attention toward research and new ventures through IO Labs and IO Ventures, leaving outside teams and member organizations with a larger role in maintaining the base layer.
Cardano Plans Three Blockchain Implementations by 2027
The plan calls for at least 3 Cardano implementations written in Haskell, Rust, and Go. Multiple implementations can reduce dependence on a single codebase and lower the risk that one development bottleneck slows the network. Development will move into community curation and external maintenance, with specifications and implementation work moving through separate groups under shared technical standards.
ADA Trades at 16 Cents Amid Low Network Activity
The announcement comes while Cardano faces weak network activity and pressure on its native token. The network has about $70 million in total value locked, far below rival chains such as Tron and Solana, which each have more than $4 billion. ADA was trading around 16 cents on Friday, almost 95% below its September 2021 record of $3.10.
Hoskinson acknowledged the pressure facing the ecosystem in a recent video, stating that "even Cardano has to go through growing pains that are very uncomfortable" and that "bones have to be broken" and "failures have to occur to build confidence in the system." He also said Cardano needs more specialized teams to set targets and direct resources, while acknowledging that the network has stopped expanding.
FAQ
What infrastructure is Input Output transferring to external teams?
Input Output is transferring the Cardano Haskell node, Plutus smart-contract platform, Daedalus wallet, Hydra scaling technology, and developer relations to outside teams beginning in August and continuing into 2027.
Which companies are taking over Cardano infrastructure maintenance?
Se7en Labs, a development agency focused on blockchain infrastructure, and Teragone, which leads development of Mithril signature protocol, are taking responsibility for core components. Member organizations including Intersect and Pragma will oversee formal specifications.
How does Cardano's total value locked compare to other blockchains?
Cardano has about $70 million in total value locked, far below rival chains such as Tron and Solana, which each have more than $4 billion.
