The Open Network Foundation is enhancing its collaboration with Telegram to increase the adoption of the TON blockchain. In an announcement dated January 21, the TON Foundation and Telegram disclosed that the TON blockchain will now serve as the exclusive platform for Telegram’s mini apps. This expanding ecosystem sees popular gaming projects launching on the Toncoin (TON)-powered blockchain. Among the notable games are tap-to-earn titles like Hamster Kombat and Notcoin, which gained significant popularity on Telegram in 2024. What are the implications? This strengthened partnership positions TON as the blockchain infrastructure for Telegram mini apps. Apps that are not currently utilizing TON are required to transition to the network by February 21, 2025. Projects that choose to migrate will receive technical support, smoother user onboarding, and marketing aid. Additionally, the TON Foundation has announced grant opportunities of up to $50, 000 in advertising credits to help facilitate project migrations. This collaboration is projected to promote new adoption of TON among Telegram's extensive user base, which boasts 950 million monthly active users. To support this process, TON Connect will be the designated wallet for mini apps, except in scenarios that involve bridging. Initially launched as the Telegram Open Network in 2017, the Open Network aimed to develop a blockchain-based decentralized platform, raising $1. 7 billion in funding. However, after encountering regulatory issues with the SEC, Telegram pulled out of the project in 2020.

In 2021, a group of developers revived the project, launching the TON blockchain mainnet. By 2023, a partnership between Telegram and the TON Foundation emerged to foster the network’s development, with Telegram facilitating Toncoin payments. This partnership signals the onset of a new growth phase for TON, as stated by TON Foundation president Manuel Stotz. "After establishing essential groundwork over the past years, TON is now primed for explosive growth in 2025. The strengthened, deepened, and exclusive partnership with Telegram is a crucial step in our roadmap, " Stotz remarked. Growth strategies include utilizing the TON blockchain for asset tokenization, such as emojis and stickers. Furthermore, Telegram plans to roll out tokenized gifts on the blockchain through NFTs.