Input Output Global has launched the alpha v1 release of partner chains, enabling new blockchain networks to bootstrap security by leveraging Cardano's stake pool operators (SPOs). This release introduces innovations like shared security, mixed validator committees, and consensus model flexibility, allowing partner chains to benefit from Cardano's extensive network. While this release is not for live production, it marks a significant milestone in realizing Charles' vision. Midnight will be the first partner chain to use this technology, with further developments and feedback expected in the coming months.

Cardano node v.9.1.0 has been released, featuring critical updates for the upcoming Chang upgrade, including a Conway genesis file, CLI enhancements, and CIP compatibility. Performance benchmarks for node v.9.0.0 showed significant improvements. The networking team advanced tx-submission design and reviewed Genesis pull requests. The Lace team is preparing for version 1.14, and Plutus TX has been rebranded as Plinth. The Hydra and Mithril teams made progress on network reliability and transaction certification. The education team is in Argentina teaching a Cardano Developer course.

This monthly report on Cardano's Hydra and Mithril scaling projects provides an insightful overview of the latest advancements and plans. Notably, the Mithril team released a new distribution (2428.0) with critical updates, prepared for upcoming distributions supporting Cardano node 9.1.0, and showcased a transaction verification demo in the Nami wallet. Meanwhile, Hydra's roadmap saw significant progress with the completion of incremental decommits, integration of an SDK for wallet developers, and ongoing efforts towards defining Hydra Head V1. The July 2024 stakeholder meeting featured engaging presentations, including Blockfrost's Mithril certificate demo and discussions on enhancing Hydra's functionality, reflecting the community's growing interest and collaboration in Cardano's scaling solutions.

The ledger team focuses on testing for the Chang upgrade. Lace v.1.14 is upcoming. Hydra updated for node v.9.0.0 and simplified the demo setup. Mithril released distribution 2428.0, supported node v.9.0.0, fixed bugs, and optimized certification. Node users should upgrade to v.9.0.0. Fund12 results announced 258 new projects, with Town Hall 171 celebrating winners. Catalyst completed 900+ projects and allocated over 100M ADA. The education team is in Buenos Aires for the Cardano Developer course.

This week, the teams released node version 9.0.0, enabling the Conway ledger era with CIP-1694, Plutus V1 reference scripts, and CIP-69 support. The performance team released benchmarks for node v.8.12.0 and conducted DRep benchmarks. The consensus team supported the 9.0 release with security audits and NoThunks tests. The Plutus team improved contract blueprints and documentation. The Lace team focused on bug fixes. Mithril supported node v.9.0.0, worked on a new distribution, and fixed REST API bugs. Town Hall 170 and Fund12 voting concluded with 1.5bn ada used. The education team prepared for the Cardano Developer course and Voltaire training.

Decentralized applications (dApps) use programmable smart contracts on blockchain to provide accessible services without central authority. Unlike traditional apps with centralized backends, dApps run on open-source, decentralized networks like Cardano, offering transparency and security. Cardano, a third-generation blockchain, supports scalable, secure, and interoperable dApp development. Aiken simplifies dApp development on Cardano by offering familiar syntax, an easy compiler, and clear error handling. It’s used by popular Cardano dApps like Minswap, Sundae Swap, LenFi, and JPG Store, facilitating faster and more efficient dApp creation.

Last week, core technology teams released Cardano node v.8.12.2, enhancing bootstrap peer networking. The ledger team worked on testing and updates, while Lace v.1.13 improved Trezor Safe 3 compatibility. Mithril advanced transaction certification, fixed bugs, and supported node v.8.12. Conway ledger improvements included credential restrictions and a new pricing model. Town hall 169 reported over 1bn ada in voting power. The education team prepared for the Cardano Developer course in Buenos Aires and updated content for Voltaire and Mastering Cardano.

Cardano Foundation and Crypto Carbon Ratings Institute (CCRI) released MiCA-compliant sustainability indicators for the Cardano network. This ensures compliance with upcoming EU Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. Key findings include Cardano's energy-efficient protocol, annual electricity consumption of 704.91 MWh, carbon footprint of 250.73 tCO2e, and marginal power demand per TPS of 0.192 W. The report, developed using scientific methodologies, aims to enhance transparency and sustainability, setting a benchmark for blockchain networks. Leaders from both organizations emphasized the importance of sustainability and regulatory compliance in the crypto sector.

The consensus team optimized db-truncater for speed, supported debugging for bootstrap nodes, and released benchmarks for node v.8.12.0. They also merged a performance fix for node v.8.11, worked on governance action workload, and updated automations for Conway features and the Plutus cost model. The Plutus team overviewed the cost model, designed faster pattern matching, and improved documentation. The Mithril team released a threat modeling explainer, worked on Cardano transaction certification, and improved WASM client documentation. Catalyst released a shortlist of tier-one companies for voting, and the education team updated the Mastering Cardano series and prepared for next month’s developer course.

The Cardano Foundation has integrated the Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol (IBC) to enhance connectivity and join the interchain ecosystem, addressing challenges in scalability, data privacy, and interoperability. This integration allows reliable transactions and data exchanges across distinct blockchain networks, linking Cardano to over 115 interconnected blockchains and enabling Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based sidechains. The IBC sidechain improves enterprise blockchain deployment by offering flexibility, scalability, cross-platform innovation, operational efficiency, and security. This move aims to broaden blockchain scalability, reach, and connectivity, benefiting enterprises and developers alike.