Input Output Global (IOHK) - Blockchain Research & Engineering

Company Overview

Input Output Global (IOG), formerly known as Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), is one of the world's pre-eminent blockchain infrastructure research and engineering companies. Founded in 2015 by Ethereum co-founder Charles Hoskinson and Jeremy Wood, IOG builds high-assurance blockchain infrastructure solutions for public sector, private sector, and government clients. The company is the primary engineering force behind Cardano, one of the leading proof-of-stake blockchain platforms.

Core Work

Cardano Blockchain

IOG is the driving force behind Cardano, a decentralized proof-of-stake blockchain platform designed for developing smart contracts and decentralized applications. Cardano is built using the Haskell programming language and follows a research-first approach with peer-reviewed academic papers forming the foundation of protocol development.

Blockchain Research

IOG maintains a world-class research team producing peer-reviewed academic papers on blockchain technology, cryptography, and distributed systems. The research-driven approach ensures protocol designs are mathematically proven before implementation.

Enterprise Solutions

Development of blockchain infrastructure solutions for enterprises, governments, and institutions. IOG works with governments and organizations worldwide to implement blockchain solutions for identity, supply chain, and financial applications.

Developer Tools & SDKs

Comprehensive developer tooling for the Cardano ecosystem including SDKs, documentation, and developer education programs to support ecosystem growth.

Technical Approach

Research-First Methodology

All protocol development begins with peer-reviewed academic research. Protocol designs are mathematically proven for security and correctness before implementation.

Haskell & Functional Programming

Core Cardano infrastructure is built using Haskell, a functional programming language chosen for its ability to produce reliable, formally verifiable code.

Formal Methods

Extensive use of formal methods and mathematical proofs to verify protocol correctness and security properties.

Global Operations

IOG operates as a fully decentralized remote-first organization with approximately 460 employees working across 50+ countries on 6 continents. Headquarters moved from Hong Kong to Wyoming, USA in 2021.

Ecosystem Initiatives

Project Catalyst

Community-driven funding initiative enabling Cardano community members to propose and vote on ecosystem development projects.

Essential Cardano

Comprehensive educational resources and documentation for the Cardano ecosystem.

Why Work with IOG

Academic Rigor

Research-first approach with peer-reviewed papers ensures protocol designs are sound before implementation.

Technical Excellence

Team includes leading researchers in cryptography, distributed systems, and formal methods.

Proven Track Record

Cardano is one of the largest and most successful proof-of-stake blockchain platforms, demonstrating IOG's ability to deliver at scale.

Commitment to Decentralization

Fully remote, decentralized organization structure reflects commitment to the principles underlying blockchain technology.