Cardano’s Midnight Network, a new privacy-focused blockchain platform, is making waves in the crypto space with a massive NIGHT token airdrop targeted at multiple blockchain communities—including XRP holders. revealed by Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson, the move underscores a growing push for interoperability and cross-chain integration in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.

With 1.2 billion NIGHT tokens allocated specifically to XRP wallets, this initiative is expected to not only boost adoption for the Midnight Network but also deepen ties between the Cardano and XRP ecosystems.

What Is the Midnight Network?

The Midnight Network is Cardano’s answer to the increasing demand for private and compliant decentralized applications (dApps). Built using zero-knowledge proofs, Midnight enables selective data disclosure, meaning users can share only what’s necessary—enhancing both privacy and regulatory compliance.

Currently operating in testnet mode, the platform’s mainnet start is expected to occur approximately 90 days after the airdrop begins. Hoskinson has described Midnight as a future hub for privacy-first DeFi applications, built on the foundation of Cardano’s robust blockchain architecture.

NIGHT Token Airdrop: Key Details for XRP Holders

One of the most exciting aspects of Midnight’s start is its token airdrop strategy, which includes holders from eight leading blockchains. Here’s what XRP holders need to know:

 Airdrop Amount

• Total NIGHT Token Supply: 24 billion

• Allocated for XRP Holders: 1.2 billion NIGHT tokens

• XRP is among the six main communities receiving a slice of a 7.2 billion token pool, along with ETH, SOL, BNB, AVAX, and BAT holders.

 Snapshot Requirement

• To be eligible, users must have held at least $100 worth of XRP on June 11, 2025, in a compatible non-custodial wallet at the time of the snapshot.

 Distribution Timeline

• The airdrop will roll out in three distinct phases, starting in July 2025.

• The initial claim window will remain open for 60 days, giving eligible users time to verify and claim their NIGHT tokens.

Token Lockup & Vesting

• All claimed tokens will be locked in a Cardano smart contract.

• Only 25% of tokens will be unlocked gradually over a one-year period, a move designed to promote market stability and discourage immediate sell-offs.

Why This Airdrop Matters

This airdrop isn’t just about free tokens—it’s a strategic bridge between two major blockchain communities.

 Cross-Chain Collaboration

Hoskinson confirmed that Cardano’s Lace Wallet will soon offer native support for XRP, enabling seamless interaction between the Cardano and XRP ecosystems. This is part of a larger strategy to foster multi-chain collaboration and expand DeFi access across platforms.

 Boosting DeFi and Privacy Utility

With privacy becoming a top concern among both regulators and users, Midnight aims to offer a new standard for confidential smart contracts and regulatory-friendly solutions. NIGHT tokens are expected to power dApps on the network, giving XRP holders a first-mover advantage in Midnight’s ecosystem.

 A Step Toward Interoperable Finance

The decision to include communities like XRP, Ethereum, Solana, and BNB in the airdrop signals a move toward inclusive DeFi, where different blockchains cooperate instead of compete. This could pave the way for more liquidity sharing, joint ventures, and enhanced cross-chain infrastructure in the future.

What’s Next for XRP Holders?

If you held $100 or more in XRP in a qualifying wallet as of June 11, you’re in line to receive your share of the 1.2 billion NIGHT tokens.

Here’s what you should do next:

1. Confirm your eligibility using a Cardano-supported wallet once the claim portal opens in July.

2. Link your XRP wallet and initiate the claim process during the 60-day window.

3. Monitor the vesting schedule—only 25% of your claim will be accessible over the first year.

More detailed instructions and tools will be released by the Midnight Network closer to start .

Final Thoughts

Cardano’s Midnight Network is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious blockchain starts of the year, and its strategic airdrop could drive substantial adoption from communities outside the Cardano ecosystem. By directly including XRP holders, the project is signaling a new era of collaborative DeFi, where blockchain boundaries are blurred in favor of shared innovation.

As the airdrop unfolds and Midnight inches closer to mainnet start , both Cardano and XRP holders stand to gain—not just from token rewards, but from a deeper integration into the next generation of privacy-first blockchain platforms.