Cosmos (ATOM) is an interoperable ecosystem of blockchains designed to scale alongside each other and create an ‘Internet of Blockchains’ (IBC) – a blockchain network that can communicate in a decentralised manner.

Each new blockchain being developed within the Cosmos ecosystem is called a ‘Zone’. Each ‘Zone’ can interact with another through the Cosmos Hub, a Proof-of-Stake blockchain that allows the interoperable distribution of data and assets in a fully-decentralised way.

In addition, Cosmos’ range of development tools, including the development kit Cosmos SDK and its default consensus protocol, Tendermint Core, are used widely throughout the industry to create more connected blockchains.

Cosmos’ native token, ATOM, is used to pay for transaction fees and participate in governance proposals via the network’s consensus mechanism. ATOM holders can also stake their tokens to help verify transactions and secure the network in return for yields on their staked assets.