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Research

Input Output Research (IOR) is Input Output Group's dedicated R&D division, pioneering foundational and applied research in cryptography, distributed systems, and formal methods. We utilize an evidence-based methodology, rooted in peer-reviewed science and formal specification, to build the world's most high-assurance protocols, including the Cardano and Midnight blockchains.
How we work
How we work
Where we focus
Where we focus
Partner with us
Partner with us
250+Peer-reviewed papers published
15+Leading research partners
10K+Industry paper citations
300+Contributing authors

How we work

For more than a decade, our scientists and collaborators have pushed the boundaries of cryptography, consensus, and decentralized governance. Since it's impossible to test every failure mode experimentally, our process is rooted in peer-reviewed science and formal specification. We use a structured framework called Software Readiness Levels (SRLs) to guide projects, ensuring a clear, high-assurance path from early conceptual modeling and security proofs to implementation. This multi-stage funnel generates a steady pipeline of globally relevant innovations for the Cardano and Midnight ecosystems.

01Fundamental research (SRL 1–2)
02Technology validation (SRL 3–5)
03Targeted implementation (SRL 5+)

IOR collaborates closely with the Venture Studio, which is responsible for the strategic implementation and productization of our foundational research findings.

The Venture Studio
The Venture Studio
Our research partners

Highlights

Featured research

Decentralization imposes major technical challenges to financial systems worldwide and Input Output Research is interested in every single one of them
Charles Hoskinson

Where we focus

IOR’s expertise is in the full stack of blockchain research and deelopment – from cryptography and consensus to distributed systems, user experience and economic design – combining rigorous security foundations with practical systems engineering and policy expertise.

Advanced research in zero-knowledge proofs, post-quantum and threshold cryptography, and secure computation.

Pioneers of Ouroboros and ongoing innovations in secure, scalable and energy-efficient consensus mechanisms.

Mathematical proof of correctness for protocols and smart contracts

Development of high-assurance blockchain infrastructure and robust, production-ready tooling.

Design and analysis of decentralized, fault-tolerant architectures for scalability and performance.

Optimization of peer-to-peer and gossip protocols for secure and efficient data propagation.

Incentive-aligned systems for governance, staking and resource allocation.

Design of sustainable tokenomics, monetary policy and economic infrastructure for decentralized systems.

Research into securities law, foreign exchange compliance, AML/KYC and regulatory integration.

Learn more about our evidence-based methodology, research topics, and research faculty.

See IOR faculty
See IOR faculty

Partner with research

Investing in and contributing to Input Output Research means supporting one of the most rigorous and peer-reviewed blockchain R&D efforts in the world. Our work bridges academia and industry, advancing decentralization, security and scalability while creating open knowledge that benefits the entire ecosystem. Whether through funding, collaboration, or partnership, contributors play a vital role in shaping innovations that are ethical, impactful and built to endure.