Cardano is set to implement Protocol version 11, a hard fork scheduled for 2026, aimed at enhancing the blockchain's performance and capabilities. This intra-era upgrade will improve Plutus smart contract functionality and introduce new cryptographic features, enhancing security and efficiency without altering the transaction structure. The upgrade will support complex cryptographic methods like zero-knowledge proofs, boosting Cardano's competitiveness in decentralized finance applications. The upgrade process includes the release of Cardano node 10.6.2 for testing, followed by node 10.7.0 as the mainnet candidate. Named the van Rossem Hard Fork, in honor of Max van Rossem's contributions, this upgrade underscores Cardano's commitment to community-driven development and positions the network to handle increased demand for decentralized applications.