Cardano Announces .ada Domain Progress at TOKEN2049

The Cardano Foundation announced at TOKEN2049 in Singapore on October 8 that its application for the .ada internet domain is advancing through ICANN’s New Generic Top-Level Domain Program. The proposed extension would give Cardano projects a dedicated namespace within the global internet’s domain system.

The .ada Application Moves Forward

ICANN published applications that passed administrative checks on October 7, revealing the requested domain names, applicants, and public application details.

The 2026 round received 1,615 applications.

The Foundation’s .ada initiative follows a governance action that received approximately 75% community support, according to its announcement. The application now proceeds through the remaining evaluation stages required before a domain can be approved and delegated.

A top-level domain is the extension at the end of an internet address, such as .org or .xyz. Approval would place .ada within that established system, giving Cardano businesses, developers, and community projects a shared domain extension.

Connecting Cardano Names With Wallets and Identity

The Foundation identifies simpler wallet addresses, Veridian identity integration, and domain tokenization as potential applications.

For payments, a readable domain-based name could make a receiving address easier to recognize and share. Applications would need to implement the connection between that name and the correct Cardano wallet address.

Veridian provides verifiable credentials for people, organizations, and AI agents. Its technology is already used by Masumi, the agent payment and identity network on Cardano. Integrating identity with domains could connect a recognizable name with credentials that counterparties can verify.

These proposed functions require supporting integrations alongside approval of the .ada domain.

Evaluation Continues Before Domain Delegation

ICANN’s next scheduled milestone is November 17, when it will publish the confirmed list of requested domain names and open the community input and objections period.

Further reviews assess technical compliance and applicants’ financial and operational capabilities. Successful applicants must complete contracting and technical testing before delegation.

The Foundation expects delegations from this application round between 2028 and 2030, depending on individual progress.

Developers, businesses, and community members can now register for application updates and express early interest in acquiring .ada domains.