Developers in the TON ecosystem can follow this principle: "Offer what others don't have, improve what exists, compete on value when quality equalizes, and pivot when commoditization occurs."
Interviewer: ChainCatcher
Guest: Vivi, Head of Research at TON Foundation
Over the past year, TON has transformed from a niche blockchain project into a vibrant ecosystem integrating Web2 and Web3 functionalities. Vivi, known as the "Walking Database of TON" within the community, shares her frontline insights on this evolution.
The Foundation's Role in TON's Ecosystem Growth
1. From Obscurity to Mass Adoption
When Vivi joined TON Foundation 12 months ago:
- Chinese developer documentation was nonexistent
- Daily active wallets numbered in the thousands
- Ecosystem awareness was minimal in Web3 circles
Today's milestones:
- 2000+ Mini DApps queued for deployment
- Daily active wallets surpassing hundreds of thousands
- Web2 user influx transforming ecosystem dynamics
2. TON Foundation's Evolving Strategy
Phase 1 - Hands-on Ecosystem Development:
- Direct BD outreach to 1000+ developers
- Technical documentation localization (5+ languages)
- Grants for early-stage projects like Notcoin and Catizen
Phase 2 - Community Empowerment (Current Transition):
- Implementing DAO governance models
- Hosting developer competitions (The Open League)
- Decentralizing resource allocation
"We're intentionally visible during the building phase but will gradually shift the spotlight to community leaders," Vivi explains.
The Mini DApp Revolution: Why Developers Are Flocking to TON
3. Competitive Advantages for Builders
| Feature | TON Mini DApps | Traditional DApps |
|---|---|---|
| Development Cost | Low (HTML5 compatible) | High (Smart contract expertise) |
| User Acquisition | Built-in Telegram traffic | Requires marketing spend |
| Monetization | Web2 models (ads, subscriptions) + Web3 tokens | Primarily token-based |
| Time-to-Market | 3-5 days for MVP | Weeks to months |
4. Blue Ocean Opportunities
- Web3-Native Projects: FUNC/TACT smart contracts for DeFi protocols
- Hybrid Models: Cross-border payments, AI-powered tools
- Gaming: Play-to-earn with sustainable tokenomics
Key Insight: TON's Mini DApps aren't merely Web3 products—they're enhancing Telegram's existing Web2 functionalities, creating true Web2.5 experiences.
Developer Playbook: Crafting Successful TON Projects
5. The Four-Phase Development Framework
- Differentiation Phase
Identify unmet needs (e.g., CDP protocols) - Optimization Phase
Enhance existing solutions (e.g., multi-asset lending) - Value Phase
Compete via superior incentives (e.g., lower fees) - Pivot Phase
Shift before market saturation
6. Regional Strategy Considerations
- Russia/India: High engagement with transactional apps
- Western markets: Preference for social/gaming hybrids
- Global B2B: Cross-border payment solutions
Pro Tip: "Study regional Telegram usage patterns—the same DApp might need completely different positioning in Dubai vs. Jakarta," Vivi advises.
Telegram Stars: The New Growth Catalyst
7. Impact Analysis
👉 How Stars integration boosts TON adoption
- Circumvents Apple's 30% tax on digital goods
- Creates fiat onboarding ramp (90% Android users unaffected)
- New ad subsidy program increases TON utility
FAQ: Developer Essentials
Q: What's the biggest mistake new TON developers make?
A: Treating Mini DApps as pure Web3 products. Successful projects blend Telegram's existing Web2 behaviors with blockchain enhancements.
Q: How competitive is The Open League?
A: With 2000+ projects queued, focus on demonstrating real user value rather than token mechanics. Judges prioritize sustainable models.
Q: Is FUNC programming mandatory?
A: Only for native smart contracts. Most Mini DApps use standard web tech stacks with TON integration.
Q: What's the #1 untapped opportunity?
A: B2B services leveraging Telegram's global reach—think cross-border invoicing or SaaS tools with crypto payments.
Q: How does TON compare to Ethereum L2s?
A: It's not a direct comparison. TON succeeds at Web2 user onboarding where EVM chains struggle, while specializing less in complex DeFi.
The Road Ahead
With Telegram's 800M MAU as its growth engine, TON is positioned to drive blockchain's next adoption wave. As Vivi notes: "The projects winning tomorrow are those solving today's real-world problems—not just chasing crypto trends."
For developers ready to build, the time is now. The ecosystem's infrastructure is mature, the audience is engaged, and the foundation's support systems are operational. What remains is execution.
👉 Start building your TON project today with our comprehensive developer guides and case studies.