Mina Protocol operates as a "succinct blockchain," emphasizing efficiency by minimizing computational requirements for DApp execution. Positioned as one of the lightest blockchains globally, Mina maintains a constant size despite increased usage, ensuring a balanced approach to security and decentralization. Formerly known as Coda Protocol, it rebranded in October 2020. The Mina network is a mere 22 KB, significantly smaller than Bitcoin's 300 GB blockchain.

Mina actively works towards establishing an efficient distributed payment system, allowing users to verify the platform from its genesis block. Leveraging Zero-Knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge (zk-SNARKs), Mina employs cryptographic proofs for information authentication without divulging the information itself. To address scalability concerns within larger networks, Mina incrementally computes SNARKs, focusing on the last few blocks. Users can then verify the zk-SNARK-compressed proof instead of reviewing the entire transaction history. MINA, the native currency, serves as a utility coin and medium of exchange.