The TON (Telegram Open Network) ecosystem is entering a new era of expansion and innovation, fueled by strategic collaboration and targeted investment. OKX Ventures, The Open Platform (TOP), and Folius Ventures have joined forces to launch the Telegram Growth Hub—a $10 million initiative designed to accelerate the development of cutting-edge projects within the TON blockchain and Telegram’s rapidly growing mini-app environment.
This forward-thinking fund aims to support startups and developers who are building solutions that drive user onboarding, enhance decentralized trading capabilities, and expand the range of engaging mini-app experiences available to Telegram’s global audience.
Driving Innovation Across Key Ecosystem Pillars
The Telegram Growth Hub will focus its resources on three core areas critical to the long-term success and mass adoption of the TON ecosystem:
1. User Onboarding and Educational Tools
One of the biggest barriers to blockchain adoption is complexity. To address this, the fund will prioritize projects that simplify the entry point for new users through intuitive interfaces, seamless wallet integration, and accessible educational content.
Projects may include interactive onboarding flows, gamified learning platforms, or AI-powered assistance tools that guide users through their first transactions, wallet setup, or NFT purchases—all within the familiar Telegram interface.
👉 Discover how easy it is to integrate blockchain experiences into messaging platforms.
2. Trading Capabilities and On-Chain Infrastructure
As decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to evolve, there's growing demand for robust trading features built directly into social and messaging environments. The Growth Hub will back initiatives that bring advanced trading functionalities to TON, including:
- Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) optimized for speed and low fees
- NFT marketplaces with instant listing and peer-to-peer trading
- Liquid staking protocols that unlock liquidity from staked assets
- Cross-chain bridges and aggregation tools for enhanced asset mobility
These innovations aim to turn Telegram from a communication tool into a full-fledged financial hub where users can trade, invest, and manage digital assets without leaving the app.
3. Expansion of the Mini-App Ecosystem
Telegram’s mini-apps are redefining how users interact with web3 services. By enabling lightweight, no-download applications to run directly inside chats, Telegram has created a fertile ground for innovation in gaming, entertainment, social finance, and more.
The Growth Hub will fund creative developers building mini-apps that leverage TON’s high-speed infrastructure to deliver fast, secure, and engaging experiences. Think play-to-earn games, social prediction markets, fan engagement platforms for creators, or even decentralized identity tools—all operating seamlessly within Telegram.
Comprehensive Support Beyond Funding
While capital is essential, true acceleration requires more than just money. Selected projects will receive a full suite of resources designed to help them scale quickly and effectively.
Financial Backing and Talent Development
Each selected team will have access to funding from the $10 million pool, which can be used for hiring key personnel, expanding development teams, or launching community growth campaigns.
Developer Tools and Infrastructure Access
To reduce technical barriers, teams will gain direct access to powerful developer resources:
- OKX Connect: A streamlined solution for integrating non-custodial wallets into TON-based mini-apps, enabling frictionless user onboarding across chains.
- TOP’s Developer Toolbox: Includes Tonkeeper SDK, TON Apps API, Playdeck for game distribution, Ton App Chain for scalable dApp deployment, Ston.fi for DeFi integration, and Getgems NFT platform for digital collectibles.
These tools significantly shorten development cycles and allow builders to focus on innovation rather than infrastructure challenges.
Mentorship and Strategic Networking
Beyond technology and funding, startups will benefit from hands-on mentorship by industry experts from OKX Ventures, TOP, and Folius Ventures. This includes guidance on product-market fit, tokenomics design, go-to-market strategies, regulatory considerations, and fundraising pathways.
Additionally, teams will be introduced to key stakeholders across the partners’ extensive networks—investors, exchanges, media outlets, and potential enterprise collaborators.
Acceleration Program Structure
The Telegram Growth Hub will run a competitive two-month acceleration program, selecting up to 10 high-potential projects based on innovation, feasibility, team strength, and alignment with TON’s vision.
Applications are open until November 29, 2024, and interested teams can apply via the official portal. Successful applicants will begin the program shortly after selection, with opportunities for follow-on investment and long-term partnership beyond the initial cycle.
Capitalizing on Telegram’s Explosive Growth
With approximately 2.5 million new users joining Telegram every day, the platform represents one of the most dynamic environments for digital innovation today. The integration of blockchain through TON opens unprecedented opportunities to embed financial services, digital ownership, and decentralized applications into everyday communication.
By investing early in foundational tools and user-facing applications, the Telegram Growth Hub aims to shape the future of this ecosystem—ensuring it remains open, accessible, and scalable for millions of users worldwide.
👉 See how you can build the next generation of web3 experiences on a global messaging platform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What types of projects are eligible for the Telegram Growth Hub?
A: Projects must be built on or integrate with the TON blockchain and operate as mini-apps within Telegram. Priority is given to those focused on user onboarding, DeFi/NFT trading tools, or innovative mini-app experiences in gaming, social finance, or entertainment.
Q: Is the fund only for early-stage startups?
A: While early-stage teams are encouraged to apply, the program is open to any project demonstrating strong technical capability and a clear roadmap—even if already launched.
Q: Do I need to relocate to participate in the acceleration program?
A: No. The program is fully remote-friendly, allowing global teams to participate without relocation requirements.
Q: Can non-technical founders apply?
A: Yes, but teams should have access to technical execution capabilities—either in-house developers or development partners—since building on TON requires coding expertise.
Q: Will there be public announcements about selected projects?
A: Yes. Finalists will be featured across OKX, TOP, and Folius Ventures’ official channels, providing valuable exposure to investors and users.
Q: Are there restrictions based on country of residence?
A: Applicants must comply with local regulations regarding blockchain development and fundraising. Certain jurisdictions may be restricted due to compliance requirements.
The launch of the $10 million Telegram Growth Hub marks a pivotal moment for the TON ecosystem. By combining capital, infrastructure, mentorship, and strategic access, this initiative empowers builders to create the next wave of user-centric web3 applications—right where people already spend their time: inside Telegram.