Namada

Namada is a Proof-of-Stake Layer 1 blockchain protocol designed for interchain, asset-agnostic data protection. Based in Zug, Switzerland, the project was co-founded in 2022 by Adrian Brink, Christopher Goes, and Awa Sun Yin. The development is led by the Anoma Foundation and Heliax. Goes has a background in the philosophy of the cypherpunk movement and cryptography, while Sun Yin previously worked as a chain analyst, giving her insight into how data can be leaked. Brink was an early core developer at Tendermint (Cosmos) and also worked with the Web3 Foundation.

The protocol functions as a privacy layer for the Web3 ecosystem, utilizing zero-knowledge proof technology to secure user data across different blockchains. Its core technology is the Multi-Asset Shielded Pool (MASP), which allows any fungible or non-fungible token to be transferred with Zcash-like privacy guarantees, regardless of its original chain. This means all assets share one shielded set, so a transaction of one asset type is indistinguishable from another, enhancing privacy guarantees. Namada also rewards users with its native token, NAM, for contributing to the shielded set, creating an economic incentive for privacy participation.

Namada operates on a business model that treats privacy as a public good funded by protocol inflation. It interoperates with other blockchains through the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, enabling seamless, private cross-chain transactions, especially within the Cosmos ecosystem. The native NAM token is used for network security via staking, governance, and transaction fees. The platform launched its mainnet in phases, completing the rollout in mid-2025. It is preparing integrations to support Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana via cross-chain bridges.

Keywords: Layer-1 blockchain, proof-of-stake, interchain privacy, asset-agnostic, data protection, zero-knowledge proofs, Multi-Asset Shielded Pool, MASP, shielded transfers, Anoma Foundation, Web3 privacy, IBC protocol, cryptocurrency, NAM token, blockchain interoperability, decentralized finance, DeFi, ZK-SNARKs, cryptography, multichain