NEO is a blockchain platform and cryptocurrency designed to build a scalable network of decentralized applications. Founded in 2014 by Da Hongfei and Erik Zhang, NEO aims to create a smart economy by digitizing assets and automating the management of digital assets through smart contracts.

One of NEO's key features is its focus on regulatory compliance, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain technology. NEO utilizes a delegated Byzantine Fault Tolerance (dBFT) consensus mechanism, which enhances scalability and ensures finality of transactions.

NEO's native token is called GAS, which is used to pay for transaction fees and deploy smart contracts on the network. GAS is generated through holding NEO in a compatible wallet, providing an incentive for users to hold and stake their tokens.

The platform supports multiple programming languages, including C#, Java, and Python, making it accessible to a wide range of developers. This flexibility enables the creation of diverse decentralized applications across various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain management.

NEO has established partnerships with companies like Microsoft and Alibaba, further solidifying its position as a leading blockchain platform. The team behind NEO continues to actively develop and improve the network, with a strong focus on community engagement and technological innovation. As the blockchain space evolves, NEO remains a prominent player, offering a unique approach to decentralized application development and digital asset management.