The IOTA Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Berlin that develops next-generation distributed ledger technology (DLT) called the Tangle, designed to overcome blockchain limitations and enable real-world applications across industries.

The IOTA Foundation was established in 2017 in Berlin to advance distributed ledger technology beyond traditional blockchains. Its mission is to create a protocol that supports real-world applications while fostering an independent ecosystem. Unlike blockchains that rely on linear blocks, IOTA’s unique “Tangle” architecture enables parallel transactions, offering scalability, security, and zero transaction fees. This innovation attracted a global team of researchers, developers, and industry partners committed to building open-source infrastructure for Web3 and digital economies.

Over the years, the Foundation has expanded its reach through collaborations with major corporations and governments. Projects have included partnerships with Volkswagen, Bosch, Fujitsu, TMForum, and Taipei City, applying IOTA’s technology to mobility, data governance, smart meters, and e-commerce. Its transparent and immutable data transfer capabilities have been central to initiatives like Gaia-X ROMS and ENSURESEC. By decentralizing governance and empowering independent teams, the Foundation has spun off mature projects into separate entities, ensuring that research, protocol development, and regulatory advocacy remain its core priorities.

Today, the IOTA Foundation thrives as part of a broader ecosystem supported by entities such as the Tangle Ecosystem Association in Switzerland and the IOTA Ecosystem DLT Foundation in Abu Dhabi, the first DLT foundation registered in Abu Dhabi Global Markets. This structure drives global adoption of IOTA technology and its token, while enabling independent teams to launch applications and decentralized governance initiatives. With its focus on sustainability, interoperability, and real-world assets, IOTA continues to position itself as a leading force in building scalable, secure, and practical digital infrastructures.