Near

The NEAR Protocol is a cutting-edge, developer-friendly blockchain platform designed to create and run decentralized applications (dApps) with ease. Utilizing dynamic sharding technology called "Nightshade," NEAR enables infinite scalability, allowing it to handle large volumes of transactions quickly and efficiently. The platform offers an excellent user and developer experience, with fast transaction speeds (around 1.3 seconds) and low fees (less than a cent per transaction)​ (NEAR Protocol)​​ (NEAR Documentation)​. NEAR is environmentally sustainable, being certified carbon-neutral and using significantly less energy than traditional proof-of-work blockchains​ (NEAR Protocol)​​ (NEAR Documentation)​. The network operates on a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, ensuring security and decentralization by incentivizing node operators with NEAR tokens​ (NEAR | Blockchains, Abstracted)​​ (NEAR Documentation)​. Interoperability and modularity are key features, allowing developers to build complex applications seamlessly. Supported by the NEAR Foundation, which promotes ecosystem growth and decentralized governance, the platform continues to expand with initiatives like the NEAR Horizon AI Incubation Program and significant funding rounds​ (NEAR Protocol)​​ (NEAR Protocol)​.