Cosmos (ATOM), launched in March 2019, is the native cryptocurrency of the Cosmos Hub, the flagship blockchain of the Cosmos Network, a decentralized ecosystem of interoperable, application-specific blockchains. Founded by Tendermint, Cosmos aims to create the “Internet of Blockchains” using the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. ATOM powers transaction fees, staking, governance, and airdrop eligibility, with $1.8B in total value locked (TVL) across the ecosystem.

Key Features

  • Interoperability: IBC enables seamless data and asset transfers between 260+ blockchains like Osmosis and Kava.
  • High Scalability: Processes up to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) with CometBFT consensus.
  • Low Fees: Average transaction cost of ~$0.01, ideal for cross-chain DeFi and dApps.
  • Ecosystem: Supports 262+ apps, including Osmosis, Stargaze, and Injective, with 65% IBC-enabled chains.

ATOM Token

  • Purpose: Used for transaction fees, staking, governance voting, and airdrop rewards for stakers.
  • Supply: Circulating supply of ~440 million ATOM, with no max supply (inflationary model).
  • Contract Address: Native to Cosmos Hub; CoinGecko CMC. Add to wallets like Keplr or Cosmostation.

Who Are the Founders of Cosmos?

Cosmos was co-founded by Jae Kwon, Zarko Milosevic, and Ethan Buchman in 2014 through Tendermint (now Ignite). Funded by a $17M ICO in 2017, the Cosmos Hub launched in 2019. The Interchain Foundation supports ecosystem growth, while Kwon stepped down as Tendermint CEO in 2020, with Peng Zhong leading since.

What Makes Cosmos Unique?

Cosmos stands out for its modular architecture:

  • Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC): Connects “Zones” (independent blockchains) via Hubs like Cosmos Hub, reducing 4,950+ peer-to-peer connections.
  • CometBFT Consensus: Combines Tendermint’s BFT engine for fast, developer-friendly blockchain creation.
  • Sovereign Blockchains: Developers customize chains with full control over consensus and governance.
  • Airdrop Incentives: Staked ATOM holders often receive airdrops from new ecosystem projects.

ATOM Network Upgrades (2025)

  • Gaia v24 Upgrade (June 2025): Replaced Liquid Staking Module with x/liquid module, reducing technical debt for faster development.
  • Eureka Bridge (Q1 2025): Enabled fast bridging to Ethereum and beyond, boosting liquidity.
  • Interchain Security V2 (March 2025): Enhanced shared security for connected chains, increasing ATOM’s utility.

How Is ATOM Secured?

Cosmos and ATOM are secured through:

  • PoS with CometBFT: Validators stake ATOM to secure the network, with slashing for misbehaviour.
  • Decentralized Validators: 180+ validators across the Cosmos Hub ensure economic security.
  • Smart Contract Audits: Regular audits by firms like Informal Systems protect IBC and dApps.
  • Governance: ATOM stakers vote on proposals, ensuring decentralized control and upgrades.

Conclusion

Cosmos (ATOM) powers the Cosmos Hub, a cornerstone of the “Internet of Blockchains,” enabling interoperability and scalability across 260+ chains. With IBC, low fees, and airdrop incentives, Cosmos drives DeFi and Web3 innovation. Recent upgrades like Gaia v24 and Eureka position ATOM in the crypto market.