Cardano’s Protocol version 11 is set to introduce significant performance improvements and new capabilities to the blockchain. The upcoming hard fork, which is scheduled for 2026, is an intra-era upgrade, meaning it will not drastically change the transaction structure of Cardano.
This makes it a seamless transition for the ecosystem, ensuring minimal disruptions. The new protocol aims to enhance key areas, including security, governance, and Plutus functionality, making it an important step in Cardano’s continued evolution.
Focus on Plutus Enhancements and Cryptographic Capabilities
The most notable update in Protocol version 11 revolves around the Plutus smart contract platform. The upgrade will improve Plutus’s performance, enhancing its efficiency and capabilities. Additionally, the update introduces new cryptographic features that are embedded through built-ins, expanding the platform’s potential.
— Intersect (@IntersectMBO) January 29, 2026
The new cryptographic capabilities will not only improve the functionality of smart contracts but also enhance the security of the entire network. The changes will allow developers to implement more complex cryptographic methods, such as zero-knowledge proofs, with greater ease.
This is expected to help Cardano become more competitive within the blockchain ecosystem, particularly in decentralized finance DeFi applications. The upgrade will also align with Cardano’s focus on scalability, making it better equipped to handle increased usage without sacrificing performance.
Furthermore, Cardano’s development team has ensured that these improvements will not impact the existing user experience. The intra-era nature of the hard fork guarantees that transactions will continue to function as they did before the update. This approach minimizes the need for ecosystem-wide changes, making it easier for both developers and users to adopt the new features.
Hard Fork Process and Cardano Node Releases
The upgrade process for Protocol version 11 is well underway, with Cardano’s engineering teams preparing key node releases. Intersect, a member organization focused on the Cardano ecosystem, has provided updates on the planned timeline. The first milestone in the upgrade process is the pre-release of Cardano node 10.6.2.
This version of the node, set to launch within the next week, will contain the hard fork functionality. It will be used for SanchoNet testing, providing the community with early access to the upcoming changes.
The second major release will be Cardano node 10.7.0, targeted for release within three weeks. This node version will be the official hard fork candidate for the mainnet. Once it is tested and deployed across preview and pre-production environments, it will pave the way for the upgrade to be implemented on the mainnet. The successful deployment of 10.7.0 on testnets will ensure that the upgrade goes smoothly on the mainnet without introducing unforeseen issues.
Formal benchmarking and performance tests will follow the deployment of the candidate node. This will be an essential part of the process, as it will verify the effectiveness of the new changes. The engineering team aims to ensure that the upgrade will not only meet its performance goals but also maintain the stability of the Cardano network as a whole.
Van Rossem Hard Fork: A Tribute to Max van Rossem
The upgrade to Protocol version 11 has been named the van Rossem Hard Fork in honor of Max van Rossem. Max van Rossem is recognized for his contributions to the Cardano ecosystem, particularly his involvement in the hard fork working group.
Intersect’s Hard Fork Working Group proposed this name to celebrate van Rossem’s commitment to the network’s advancement. This gesture underscores the importance of the Cardano community and its contributors in shaping the blockchain’s future.
The van Rossem Hard Fork is not just about technical improvements; it also reflects Cardano’s ethos of honoring those who play a key role in its development. As the hard fork progresses, the community will celebrate the work of individuals like van Rossem, who continue to push the boundaries of blockchain technology. The upgrade, while focused on performance and security, also highlights the collaborative nature of the Cardano ecosystem.
This hard fork is a crucial step in ensuring that Cardano remains competitive and adaptable to the evolving blockchain landscape. The improvements will position Cardano to handle the growing demand for decentralized applications and smart contracts. As the upgrade moves through testing phases, Cardano continues to strengthen its infrastructure while honoring the contributions that make such advancements possible.
