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Kadena

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B2BFinance
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About Kadena

Kadena is a high-throughput Proof‑of‑Work layer‑1 blockchain using Chainweb architecture, EVM‑compatible Pact smart contracts, and hybrid public/private chain deployment.

Kadena is a scalable Layer 1 blockchain platform built to power the future of global finance. Launched in 2016 by blockchain veterans from JPMorgan and the SEC, Kadena offers a proof-of-work (PoW) architecture that solves the scalability issues plaguing earlier blockchain models. With its proprietary Chainweb technology, Kadena enables high throughput, energy efficiency, and enterprise-grade security — making it uniquely suitable for both traditional institutions and Web3-native applications.


The platform's innovative tools, including the human-readable smart contract language Pact and the newly launched Chainweb EVM, allow developers to build powerful and flexible dApps without compromising performance or decentralization. From tokenization of real-world assets to decentralized finance, Kadena’s mission is to make blockchain accessible and viable for mainstream adoption.

Kadena was founded by Stuart Popejoy and Will Martino, former leads at JPMorgan’s blockchain division, with the goal of solving the scalability trilemma — achieving decentralization, scalability, and security simultaneously. At the heart of Kadena is Chainweb, its parallel-chain architecture that allows multiple chains to run concurrently, significantly boosting transaction throughput while maintaining proof-of-work (PoW) consensus. Unlike single-chain PoW systems like Bitcoin, Kadena’s braided chain model makes it possible to achieve thousands of transactions per second without compromising energy efficiency.


The platform’s native smart contract language, Pact, is another key innovation. It is designed for simplicity, readability, and security, enabling developers to create robust applications with built-in formal verification features. For developers used to Ethereum, the newly introduced Chainweb EVM brings full EVM compatibility, allowing Solidity-based dApps to run on Kadena while benefiting from lower fees and better scalability.


Kadena caters to a broad audience — from individuals building DeFi or NFT apps to large enterprises exploring real-world asset tokenization. The $50M Kadena Builder Grant Program supports the development of innovative use cases in DeFi, AI, gaming, and more. Its ecosystem continues to grow rapidly, with projects like Flux (a Web3 cloud computing network), KadenAI (NFT platform), and KDSwap (gasless DEX) illustrating the chain’s diverse applications.


Kadena’s major competitors include:

  • Ethereum – The leading smart contract platform known for its massive ecosystem but limited scalability and high fees.
  • Solana – A high-throughput blockchain, though prone to centralization and network outages.
  • Polygon – A Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum, offering lower gas fees but relying on Ethereum’s base layer.
  • NEAR Protocol – A developer-friendly chain with sharding and fast transactions.


By combining enterprise-grade infrastructure with developer-friendly tooling and a strong focus on scalability, Kadena is carving out a unique position in the blockchain ecosystem. Learn more at the official Kadena website.

Kadena provides numerous benefits and features that make it a standout project in the blockchain space:


  • Scalable Proof-of-Work: Unlike traditional PoW chains, Kadena's Chainweb architecture enables parallel blockchains that deliver high throughput without compromising on security or decentralization.
  • Virtually Zero Gas Fees: Kadena uses a novel gas station model to subsidize transaction costs, allowing developers to build cost-efficient applications for users.
  • EVM Compatibility: With Chainweb EVM, developers can easily port Solidity-based dApps to Kadena while leveraging its superior scalability and performance.
  • Human-Readable Smart Contracts: Pact, Kadena’s native smart contract language, prioritizes safety and readability, with formal verification to avoid bugs and exploits.
  • Enterprise-Ready Architecture: Built for both startups and traditional financial institutions, Kadena provides regulatory compliance capabilities, tokenization infrastructure, and institutional-grade performance.
  • Robust Ecosystem Support: With a $50M builder grant and a growing list of partners, including Flux, DIA, and Ownera, Kadena fosters innovation across sectors like DeFi, AI, RWAs, and more.

Getting started with Kadena is simple, whether you’re an individual, developer, or institution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to begin your journey on Kadena:


  1. Visit the Official Website: Head to the Kadena homepage to explore developer tools, community links, and ecosystem partners.
  2. Set Up a Wallet: Choose from several Kadena-supported wallets listed on the Wallets page to securely store, send, and receive KDA tokens.
  3. Explore Documentation: Access the Kadena developer docs for comprehensive guides on deploying smart contracts using Pact or the Chainweb EVM.
  4. Join the Community: Participate in Kadena's vibrant community via Discord, X (Twitter), or Telegram.
  5. Apply for Grants: Builders can submit project proposals for funding through the Kadena Builder Grant Program, which supports innovations across the ecosystem.
  6. Start Building: Use Pact or Solidity (via Chainweb EVM) to launch scalable dApps that benefit from Kadena’s high throughput and near-zero gas costs.

Kadena FAQ

  • Chainweb EVM brings Solidity compatibility to Kadena’s powerful multi-chain Proof-of-Work blockchain. This enables developers to use familiar Ethereum tools and deploy EVM-based dApps while benefiting from Kadena’s scalability, security, and low fees. Chainweb’s parallel-chain architecture ensures fast throughput, making EVM smart contracts more efficient.

  • Kadena solves the traditional limitations of Proof-of-Work by introducing Chainweb, a braided multi-chain architecture that increases throughput without compromising decentralization or security. Unlike Bitcoin, Kadena's design allows for scalable block production while maintaining energy efficiency. This makes it the only scalable Proof-of-Work Layer 1 blockchain in the industry.

  • Pact is Kadena’s native smart contract language, purpose-built for clarity, security, and human readability. It supports formal verification, upgradability, and error prevention out of the box—features that reduce risk and make auditing easier. Pact is ideal for developers building mission-critical applications.

  • Kadena offers the infrastructure to tokenize real-world assets (RWAs) securely and compliantly through its scalable Proof-of-Work design. Its tooling supports financial-grade smart contracts, privacy layers, and low transaction fees—ideal for tokenizing assets like real estate, art, or securities.

  • Kadena provides an entire suite of tools including Kadena Docs, SDKs, APIs, How-To Guides, and Kadena Academy. Whether you're building with Pact or Solidity, you can get started easily with step-by-step resources and apply for support via the $50M Builder Grant Program.

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