IOHK (Input Output Hong Kong) is a cryptocurrency establishment that aims to provide research and development for blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. It was founded in 2015 by [[Charles Hoskinson]], one of the co-founders of [[Ethereum]]. IOHK focuses on building decentralized platforms and applications that are secure, scalable, and interoperable. They believe in utilizing peer-reviewed academic research and formal methods to ensure the reliability and robustness of their solutions. The company is known for its involvement in various blockchain projects, with Cardano being its most prominent one. IOHK was contracted by the [[Cardano]] Foundation to design and build the Cardano blockchain platform. Cardano is a decentralized platform that aims to provide a more secure and sustainable infrastructure for the development of decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. IOHK also engages in partnerships with universities worldwide to foster blockchain research and education. They have established collaborations with institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, Tokyo Institute of Technology, University of Athens, University of Malta, and many others. Overall, IOHK plays a significant role in advancing the technology behind cryptocurrencies by focusing on scientific rigor, academic collaborations, and real-world implementation through their projects like Cardano.