Key facts
- Cardano developer Input Output is transferring control of core blockchain infrastructure to external specialist teams.
- Key components like the Haskell node, Plutus platform, and Daedalus wallet will be managed by independent companies.
- This initiative is part of Cardano's Voltaire era, aiming for full decentralization of node and blueprint development.
- Se7en Labs and Teragone are among the external companies taking on development responsibilities.
- The handover process will commence in August and extend into 2027.
- Cardano is currently experiencing weak network activity and a substantial decline in its ADA token price.
Cardano developer Input Output is initiating a significant decentralization push by handing over control of its core blockchain infrastructure to external specialist teams. Starting in August and continuing into 2027, components such as the Haskell node, Plutus smart-contract platform, and Daedalus wallet will be managed by independent companies like Se7en Labs and Teragone.
This strategic shift marks the final stage of Cardano's Voltaire era, aiming to fully decentralize node and reference blueprint development. Input Output, led by founder Charles Hoskinson, stated that this move is essential for the network's long-term growth and resilience, framing current challenges as necessary "growing pains."
At least three Cardano implementations in Haskell, Rust, and Go will be maintained under community oversight, with formal specifications managed by organizations like Intersect and Pragma. Input Output will redirect its resources towards research and new ventures through IO Labs and IO Ventures.
The announcement comes as Cardano faces challenges, including weak network activity and a sharp decline in its ADA token price, which has fallen nearly 95% from its September 2021 record. Hoskinson acknowledged these difficulties, emphasizing the need for more specialized teams and the inevitability of uncomfortable growth stages for the network to mature.