The Mina protocol was created by O(1) Labs with the goal of optimizing both scalability and decentralization. This is achieved by utilizing zero knowledge proofs to condense the blockchain into a fixed size. Mina is working to make it easy for anyone to participate from websites or mobile phones with intermittent connectivity, making the experience for users easier as well as opening up new possibilities of applications for developers to build.
Mina uses a Proof-of-Stake permissioning mechanism known as Ouroboros Praos to reach consensus, which builds off prior work done by IOHK, the company working on Cardano. It was designed to be simple and allow anyone to participate proportionally to the amount of stake in the protocol. Bandwidth requirements are low to facilitate a high level of inclusivity.
