Mask Network, alongside OKX Web3, 7Up DAO, Tencent Cloud, and AWS Startups, has announced the winners of the recently concluded TON Consumer App Hackathon, according to Mask Network. The event, held on August 8, received 54 applications, with 14 projects ultimately selected to participate.

Background on TON and Telegram

The Open Network (TON) was initially developed by Telegram to create a decentralized blockchain platform. Despite Telegram ceasing its direct involvement due to regulatory issues, the project was revived by the community. TON’s services integrate deeply with Telegram, enabling decentralized storage, payment systems, and other Web3 services. As of Q1 2024, the TON blockchain boasted up to 6.4 million accounts.

The TON ecosystem is rapidly gaining traction, particularly in the social gaming space on Telegram. It provides developers with a comprehensive tech stack to create dApps, including wallets, exchanges, bridges, and games — all integrated within Telegram. The $TON token, central to the ecosystem, powers transactions, supports governance, and incentivizes participation. As of June 2024, TON had a TVL of $600 million. Several games like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat have achieved massive user engagement, further solidifying TON’s role in the intersection of blockchain technology and social gaming.

Hackathon Highlights

The participating projects were categorized into three tracks: Infrastructure and Tools, DEX and Liquidity, and Applications. Judges evaluated the projects based on innovation, commercial and technical feasibility, market prospects, compatibility with the TON ecosystem, product maturity, and presentation. The final winning projects were Tradoor, OUTA, OutterDish, OpenAD, and Depinsim.

• Tradoor: The first Perpetual + Options protocol on TON, designed as an all-in-one trading tool specifically for Telegram users.
• OUTA: A virtual pet nurturing and social game within the TON ecosystem, scheduled for release in September.
• OutterDish: A mini-game launched on Telegram by OutterDishProtocol, where players can earn $DISH and use it in real life.
• OpenAD: Transforming in-app advertising on Telegram through blockchain and decentralized governance, ensuring verifiable and tamper-proof transactions.
• Depinsim: The world’s first decentralized connectivity infrastructure network, empowering borderless communication via crypto-native (e)SIMs.

The winning projects will receive awards, mentorship, and offline guidance from the organizers and judges. Further details will be announced soon.

This hackathon demonstrated the wide versatility of dApps built on the TON blockchain and the talent attracted by its network effect. Mask Network is pleased to support the innovation spurred by the growth of the TON ecosystem.

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