CANTO is an EVM-compatible layer-1 blockchain that focuses on making Decentralized Finance (DeFi) accessible and free to use. As a part of the Cosmos ecosystem, it aims to provide decentralised public infrastructure for financial services.
CANTO operates as a permissionless general-purpose blockchain running the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), utilising a Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. It is built using the Cosmos SDK and Ethermint for EVM compatibility. Notably, it implements the CYCLONE Stack, a Parallel Execution EVM, which enhances speed and scalability. This enables support for smart contracts and includes features like a zero-fee Decentralized Exchange (DEX) and the Canto Lending Market (CLM), a pooled lending platform based on Compound v2.
The potential use cases for CANTO include:
Additionally, CANTO's interoperability allows engagement with various sectors like cryptocurrency trading, lending, and stablecoin management.
CANTO was founded by a decentralised group of DeFi enthusiasts, including Scott Lewis, who also founded DeFi Pulse. It officially launched in August 2022, gaining attention for its mission to make DeFi free to use. The project has achieved significant milestones with the implementation of its Free Public Infrastructure, including a zero-fee DEX and a pooled lending market. It has also developed the NOTE token, an over-collateralised stablecoin-like currency. CANTO's technological evolution includes integration with the Cosmos ecosystem and ongoing efforts to enhance interoperability with other blockchains.