Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson has announced that the project has already invested $23 million into supporting Cardano Native Tokens (CNTs). This move signifies how the project intends to grow its blockchain beyond ADA – the network’s native cryptocurrency. Hoskinson’s recent comment also follows a previous preceding statement hinting at a possible partnership between Ripple and Cardano. 

Cardano’s Push to Expand Native Tokens

Cardano has long aimed to separate itself from other blockchains that rely on a single asset structure. Powered by CNTs, the network supports issuance, transfer and tracking of tokens natively without needing any extra smart contracts. That makes ADA’s multi-asset support a unique advantage compared to several rival platforms still testing similar features.

In line with ensuring support for CNTs, Cardano’s Hoskinson noted that the ecosystem has invested $23 million targeted at projects that drive CNT adoption. Part of this plan includes supporting “Midnight,” a privacy and interoperability project built within the ecosystem. 

As per his latest Ask-Me-Anything session posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Cardanians (CRDN) – a platform enlightening the community and fostering the adoption of Cardano, Hoskinson said: 

“Partnerships we formed didn’t just agree to support Midnight, they agreed to support Cardano and Cardano native tokens, which Midnight is one of.” 

JUST IN: Cardano Founder @IOHK_Charles says: We've invested $23M so far on helping Cardano Native Tokens. 🔥

"Partnerships we formed didn't just agree to support Midnight, they agreed to support Cardano and Cardano native tokens, which Midnight is one of." pic.twitter.com/buA0WCFNjC

— Cardanians (CRDN) (@Cardanians_io) August 24, 2025

Backers of Midnight have pledged not only to strengthen it but also to push adoption of CNTs more broadly. The investment arrives at a time when the project is making changes to its governance model. 

By allocating money to both CNT projects and governance, Cardano is establishing itself as a blockchain that can build tokenized economies. The network’s infrastructure is being shaped to attract developers, businesses, and institutions that need secure and scalable platforms.

Hoskinson’s Hints at Cardano and XRP Partnership

Hoskinson also dropped a significant hint at the Ask-Me-Anything session. He revealed that he had a “great” conversation with Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse about integrating XRP with Cardano.  

“In fact, I had a conversation with Brad about XRP, and it’d be a lot of fun,” he said. 

The founder further went on to confirm that Cardano’s Lace wallet will add support for XRP before the end of the year. That announcement sent ripples across both communities, fueling belief that a deeper collaboration may be on the horizon.

Ripple is already well established in global payments, while ADA is working to expand native asset support. A partnership between the two projects could provide users on both ends with a wider range of capabilities and new methods for moving value across the networks. 

ADA’s Community Sentiment Grows Stronger

According to data from TapTools, Cardano’s ADA token currently holds the strongest community sentiment of any cryptocurrency worldwide. The network’s loyal base remains highly active, keeping ADA among the most discussed digital assets on social media platforms.

“Cardano $ADA holds the strongest community sentiment of any token worldwide,” TapTools wrote. 

With fresh investment flowing into CNTs, and speculation building over a Ripple partnership, Cardano continues to signal long-term ambition. Hoskinson’s remarks underline the strategy: strengthen the infrastructure, broaden interoperability, and ensure the community stays at the center of it all.