Telegram Deepens Partnership with TON as Exclusive Blockchain for Mini Apps

Telegram Deepens Partnership with TON as Exclusive Blockchain for Mini Apps

Telegram is taking its collaboration with The Open Network (TON) to the next level. On Tuesday, Telegram and the TON Foundation unveiled an exclusivity agreement that positions TON as the sole blockchain for Telegram’s mini apps, including those with cryptocurrency integrations. In return, Telegram will offer various benefits to projects utilizing the TON ecosystem.

“The decision to adopt TON as the exclusive blockchain for Telegram mini apps marks a significant milestone, cementing TON’s reputation as one of the world’s leading blockchain networks,” said Manuel Stotz, President of the TON Foundation, in a statement to Decrypt.

He added, “With over 950 million active users worldwide, Telegram stands as one of the largest messaging platforms globally. This partnership presents an extraordinary opportunity for TON to drive blockchain innovation on a massive, international scale.”

From Origins to Exclusivity: Telegram’s Journey with TON

Telegram originally conceived TON (then known as the Telegram Open Network) before abandoning the project in 2020 following regulatory pressure. Despite this setback, an independent community of developers took the reins, eventually launching TON as The Open Network.

Recent years have seen a renewed collaboration between Telegram and TON. A TON Wallet app was integrated into Telegram, catalyzing the popularity of tap-to-earn crypto games like Hamster Kombat and Notcoin, which have collectively attracted hundreds of millions of users. Additionally, Telegram introduced initiatives such as channel operator payments via Toncoin (TON) and the in-app Telegram Stars currency, which users can redeem for TON. Earlier this month, Telegram announced plans to enable users to mint tradable NFT stickers through TON.

The new agreement further solidifies this partnership. Telegram mini apps and games currently operating on other blockchains, such as Sui or Aptos, must migrate to TON and adopt the TON Connect protocol to maintain their cryptocurrency functionalities.

“Support for wallet protocols tied to non-TON blockchains will be discontinued, except for facilitating the transfer of assets from other chains,” Stotz clarified. He emphasized that the decision aligns with Telegram’s commitment to delivering a secure, scalable user experience.

Migration Incentives and Strategic Vision

To encourage a swift transition, the TON Foundation is offering migration grants of up to $50,000, depending on the size of a project’s audience. However, projects that have previously received TON Foundation funding will not be eligible for this initiative.

Stotz framed the partnership as a natural fit, noting, “Telegram has always championed open-source technology and supported the global Web3 community. This alignment with TON reflects that shared vision, providing a robust and scalable solution for Telegram’s extensive user base and developer community.”

Timing and Broader Implications

The announcement coincides with significant developments in the U.S. crypto regulatory landscape. Just a day earlier, former President Donald Trump returned to the White House following a pro-crypto campaign, alongside news of a potential shakeup at the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the expected departure of Chair Gary Gensler. While Stotz refrained from linking the timing of the news to U.S. political events, he underscored the enduring alignment between Telegram and TON as the driving force behind the partnership.

By positioning TON as the backbone of Telegram’s blockchain ecosystem, the messaging giant is not only deepening its foray into Web3 but also reshaping the landscape for mini apps and developers in the cryptocurrency space.