Midnight is a Layer-1 blockchain and Cardano Partner Chain. It operates its own specialized ledger and transactions while connecting with the broader Cardano ecosystem through the Partner Chain architecture. Midnight focuses on programmable privacy, allowing applications to combine public blockchain state with private data protected through zero-knowledge proofs.
Midnight at a Glance
The Network
What Is Midnight?
Midnight is a data-protection blockchain designed to let developers build applications that use blockchain verification without making every piece of data publicly visible.
Instead of forcing applications to choose between fully public data and completely hidden activity, Midnight uses programmable privacy. Developers can define which information belongs on the public ledger and which information should remain private on the user’s device.
Why Does Midnight Exist?
Protect Sensitive Data
Applications can keep personal, commercial or confidential data private instead of placing it directly on a public blockchain.
Prove Without Revealing
Zero-knowledge proofs can confirm that a condition is true without exposing the underlying private information.
Combine Privacy & Transparency
Applications can combine public blockchain state with private local state instead of treating privacy as an all-or-nothing choice.
How Does Programmable Privacy Work?
Midnight uses a dual-state model. Some application data can exist publicly on-chain, while sensitive information remains private and local. Zero-knowledge proofs connect the two by proving that private conditions have been satisfied without revealing the underlying private data.
On the Ledger
Data intended to be public and shared across the network can be recorded in Midnight’s global ledger state.
On the User’s Device
Sensitive information can remain local rather than being exposed to the public network.
Zero-Knowledge Proofs
ZK proofs allow the network to verify valid outcomes without requiring disclosure of the private source data.
Cardano × Midnight
How Are Midnight and Cardano Connected?
Midnight is an independent Layer-1 Cardano Partner Chain with its own specialized ledger and transactions. Its Partner Chain architecture connects Midnight with the Cardano ecosystem, including Cardano Stake Pool Operator participation in Midnight’s broader decentralization model.
Independent Layer 1
Midnight operates alongside Cardano rather than inside Cardano. It maintains its own network state and transaction processing.
Multi-Chain Token Design
NIGHT is Midnight’s native token and initially launched on Cardano as a Cardano Native Asset.
Cardano Stake Pool Ecosystem
Cardano Stake Pool Operators are part of Midnight’s longer-term block-production and decentralization design.
Important for Cardano delegators: Delegating ADA to a Cardano stake pool does not currently generate additional NIGHT rewards.
Is Midnight a Cardano Layer 2?
No. Midnight is not a Cardano Layer 2 or rollup.
Midnight is a specialized Layer-1 Partner Chain that operates alongside Cardano. Midnight transactions occur on Midnight’s own ledger rather than being rolled up and settled as Cardano transactions.
NIGHT and DUST
Native & Governance Token
NIGHT is Midnight’s unshielded native token. It generates the DUST resource and is designed to support future governance and network incentives.
NIGHT explained →Shielded Network Resource
DUST is a non-transferable network resource used for Midnight transactions and smart-contract execution. It is generated from registered NIGHT.
NIGHT & DUST explained →What Is Available Today?
- Midnight mainnet
- NIGHT token
- DUST generation
- Programmable privacy capabilities
- Federated block production
- NIGHT staking for protocol rewards
- Public NIGHT delegation to block producers
- Permissionless public block production
- Additional NIGHT rewards for ADA delegators
What Does Midnight Mean for Cardano Delegators?
Midnight is closely connected with the Cardano ecosystem, but Cardano staking and Midnight incentives are currently separate mechanisms.
Delegating ADA to a Cardano stake pool currently earns only the normal Cardano staking rewards generated by the Cardano protocol. It does not automatically produce NIGHT rewards.
Midnight Rewards Status →Current Status · September 2026
Midnight Mainnet Is Live
Midnight Network FAQ
Is Midnight part of Cardano?
Midnight is a Cardano Partner Chain, but it is an independent Layer-1 blockchain with its own specialized ledger and transactions.
Is Midnight a Cardano Layer 2?
No. Midnight is a Layer-1 Partner Chain rather than a rollup or Cardano Layer 2.
What is programmable privacy?
Programmable privacy allows application developers to determine which information remains private and which information becomes public, while using zero-knowledge proofs to verify valid outcomes.
What is NIGHT?
NIGHT is Midnight’s unshielded native and governance token. Registered NIGHT generates DUST and is designed to support future network governance and incentives.
What is DUST?
DUST is Midnight’s shielded, non-transferable network resource used for transactions and smart-contract execution.
Can I stake NIGHT?
No, not currently. Midnight does not currently offer protocol NIGHT staking for token holders. See the current rewards status →
Related Midnight Guides
Sources & Maintenance
Last reviewed: September 2026
This guide prioritizes current official Midnight Network sources. Midnight is developing rapidly, so network participation, governance and incentive mechanisms may change as decentralization progresses.