The hackathon, organized in collaboration with Mask Network, OKX Web3, 7Up DAO, Tencent Cloud and AWS Startups, took place on August 8. The event received a total of 54 applications, of which 14 projects were selected for final evaluation. The aim of the hackathon was to support projects developing innovative solutions in the TON blockchain ecosystem.

Open Network (TON) is a decentralized blockchain platform created by Telegram. Although Telegram ended its direct contribution on the project due to regulatory issues, community-supported TON offers a deeply integrated ecosystem with Telegram.

TON offers various advantages to users by supporting decentralized storage, payment systems and other Web3 services. As of the first quarter of 2024, there are 6.4 million accounts on the TON blockchain.

The TON ecosystem is rapidly gaining popularity, especially for social games on Telegram. It offers developers a comprehensive technology stack such as wallets, exchanges, bridges and games integrated within Telegram.

The $TON token powers transactions, supports governance and encourages participation in the ecosystem. As of June 2024, TON’s Total Value Locked (TVL) stood at $600 million. Games like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat have strengthened TON’s connection between blockchain technology and social gaming by driving massive user engagement.

At the Hackathon, projects were divided into three categories: Infrastructure and Tools, DEX and Liquidity, and Applications. The jury evaluated the projects according to criteria such as innovation, commercial and technical viability, market potential, compatibility with the TON ecosystem, product maturity and presentation. The final winning projects were:

• Tradoor: A trading tool designed as the first Continuous + Options protocol in TON. Telegram offers an all-in-one solution developed specifically for its users.

• OUTA: Virtual pet care and social game in the TON ecosystem. It is planned to be released in September.

• OutterDish: A mini-game launched on Telegram. By earning $DISH, players have the opportunity to use it in real life.

• OpenAD: A project transforming in-app advertising on Telegram through blockchain and decentralized governance. In this way, it provides verifiable and impossible-to-change transactions.

• Depinsim: The world’s first decentralized connection infrastructure network. The nature of crypto strengthens cross-border communication using (e)SIMs.

Winning projects will receive prizes, mentoring and offline guidance from the organisers. The success of the hackathon this year showcased the wide variety of dApps developed on the TON blockchain and the talent attracted by the network effect.

Mask Network is delighted to support this innovation triggered by the growth of the TON ecosystem and hopes for similar success in future projects.