On June 20, ONTO Wallet hosted a Twitter Space with key TON ecosystem builders to explore how our wallet and TON projects can power the TON ecosystem. Our guest speakers include:<\/p>\n
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Below is a comprehensive recap of our discussion, covering wallet UX, DeFi, gaming, staking, aggregated liquidity, cross\u2011chain identity, onboarding strategies, and the latest ecosystem updates. (*Transcripts have been edited for clarity and readability.)<\/p>\n
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Q1: TON\u2019s mini-apps and games have brought in millions of users through Telegram. Which in-wallet features (e.g. gasless transactions, guest\u2011mode transactions, cross\u2011chain swaps) will best help TON mini\u2011apps and games onboard new mobile users?<\/p>\n
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Sahil<\/em>: There\u2019s a huge amount of development happening on the wallet side right now\u2014and our top priority at the TON Foundation is making that experience as seamless as possible for everyday users. Although we have access to a vast user base, we don\u2019t want to overwhelm people with the complexity typical of Web3 wallets.<\/p>\n Think of it like a banking app: you open it, see your balance, and stake or transfer funds in a few taps\u2014no \u201c25\u2011button\u201d workflows. To achieve that level of simplicity, we\u2019re focused on two key features:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Let users send, stake, or interact with dApps without worrying about transaction fees.<\/p>\n Integrate multiple chains under one roof so users never have to switch wallets or manually swap tokens.<\/p>\n Beyond those, our biggest long\u2011term goal is real\u2011world payments<\/strong>. With nearly a billion users in our distribution network, we want to enable things like paying for coffee in-store with TON. That\u2019s a major focus\u2014one our CEO, Max Crown, has championed\u2014and we\u2019re actively incentivizing and supporting any project that helps make on\u2011chain payments practical and frictionless.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q2: Which verticals\u2014DeFi, gaming, payments\u2014look most promising on TON, and how can ONTO Wallet integrations accelerate success?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JT<\/em>: DeFi protocols form the foundational infrastructure for any Web3 ecosystem\u2014and wallets like ONTO rely on those building blocks to deliver core financial services to users. However, if we want to scale our user base, gaming<\/strong> is the sector to focus on. In the TON + Telegram ecosystem, lightweight H5 mini\u2011games routinely attract 10 million+ players\u2014and some even top 100 million.<\/p>\n By integrating these mini\u2011games directly into wallets like ONTO, you tap into Telegram\u2019s enormous audience and its built\u2011in social mechanics (friends lists, group chats, airdrop incentives, etc.). For example, OKX Wallet saw explosive early growth by being one of the first to partner with TON mini\u2011games.<\/p>\n In short, DeFi gives users essential tools\u2014swaps, lending, staking\u2014while gaming provides the viral user\u2011acquisition engine. Combining both in your wallet integration is the fastest path to mass adoption.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sahil<\/em>: I agree with JT, and I\u2019d like to highlight payments<\/strong> as another emerging pillar alongside DeFi and gaming. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n Although TON has millions of users, they currently lack an easy way to spend crypto in everyday life\u2014like buying a coffee. Enabling simple, low\u2011fee on\u2011chain payments is a top priority for our ecosystem.<\/p>\n We\u2019re actively onboarding and supporting teams worldwide to build TON\u2011based payment rails. If you missed yesterday\u2019s Payments Builders Call (hosted by our payments lead, Victor), check out the recording on builders.ton.org to learn about the projects driving this vertical.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve built the base layer\u2014AMMs, lending, staking\u2014and are now refining the \u201cdetail layer\u201d: analytics, composable yield strategies, and integration with real\u2011world assets (RWA).<\/p>\n Early mini\u2011games (like simple \u201cclickers\u201d) drove huge spikes\u2014but also massive drop\u2011offs after token launches. Our focus now is mid\u2011core games: richer gameplay, stronger social mechanics, and tighter Web3\/Web2 integration to attract and retain high\u2011quality users.<\/p>\n In summary, the three strategic areas for TON right now are DeFi<\/strong>, Payments<\/strong>, and Gaming<\/strong>\u2014all supported by robust infrastructure and AI tools.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Geoff<\/em>: That\u2019s a great point\u2014moving beyond clicker games to richer experiences means we need to retain real user value, not just temporary airdrop spikes. I\u2019ve been discussing this at ECC: identity and reputation<\/strong> are critical for sustainable gaming ecosystems.<\/p>\n At Ontology, we\u2019re building tools that combine on\u2011chain <\/strong>and off\u2011chain<\/strong> gaming data. By merging blockchain interactions (like token events and TGE participation) with traditional Web2 gaming behavior, you can:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This unified reputation layer lets game developers and wallet providers curate robust, high\u2011value gaming experiences\u2014boosting retention, not just initial downloads.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q3: Staking is core to network security and user engagement. How does Tonstakers boost participation in the TON network? What are Tonstakers\u2019 priorities in terms of wallet support and staking UX improvements in the TON ecosystem?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kiwi<\/em>: I appreciate the question! First, let me explain why liquid staking with Tonstakers is a game\u2011changer:<\/p>\n Most staking models lock your tokens for a set period\u2014you have to track unlock dates, and sometimes rewards aren\u2019t immediately claimable. Liquid staking removes all that complexity:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But Tonstakers goes further: once you hold Tia\u2019s TON, you can deploy it across external DeFi protocols\u2014TomFi, TDust, Tradeor, Affluent, and more\u2014directly from your wallet. This one\u2011stop interface means:<\/li>\n In short, Tonstakers is hands\u2011down the simplest, most flexible way to stake TON and dive into DeFi\u2014all without leaving your wallet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Geoff<\/em>: I\u2019m a DeFi maximalist, and I believe staking is one of the core use cases of Web3. If you have conviction in a project, putting your tokens to work\u2014earn\u00ading rewards passively\u2014is both sensible and essential.<\/p>\n When Ontology launched liquid staking, it was a game\u2011changer. Instead of locking up your collateral indefinitely, you continue to earn network rewards and keep your assets productive across DeFi. Liquid staking becomes the building block for everything from lending to yield farming.<\/p>\n Users love staking because it deepens their connection to the ecosystem\u2014it\u2019s proof that they\u2019re \u201call\u2011in.\u201d And beyond community engagement, staking underpins many of the cool DeFi applications we see today. While we don\u2019t hear about staking as much as we did five years ago, it remains a cornerstone of crypto and Web3.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q4: With ONTO Wallet\u2019s integration of STON.fi\u2019s Omniston, how can users access better swap pricing and efficiency?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ethan<\/em>: Sure\u2014let me add something from a builder\u2019s perspective. Telegram Mini Apps are essentially web apps delivered via an iframe, so you:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Key advantage<\/strong>: ONTO Wallet only needs to integrate one unified interface (Omniston). As new DEXes or OTC providers join Omniston, ONTO Wallet automatically supports them\u2014no additional integrations required. This ensures your users always get optimal swap rates across the entire TON marketplace.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q5: How can ONTO and TON co-create a smoother experience for users moving assets and identities across chains?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Geoff<\/em>: We\u2019ve prioritized cross\u2011chain support in everything we do\u2014especially for EVM chains, where ONTO Wallet already excels. Here\u2019s how we\u2019re taking it further:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By combining a unified DID with cross\u2011chain reputation, we remove barriers\u2014no new logins, no lost history\u2014letting you focus on what matters: using your assets and participating in Web3.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n Sahil<\/em>: I\u2019ll start with a perhaps unpopular point: many people\u2014even within Web3\u2014aren\u2019t aware that Telegram already includes a built\u2011in wallet (Wannet). Sure, we know it exists because we use it, but most retail users don\u2019t.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Wallet teams\u2014ONTO included\u2014must actively promote these features. Tell users that Telegram has a powerful wallet and highlight your unique perks (e.g., in\u2011wallet swaps, staking, gasless transactions).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Retail users struggle to move funds from Binance or other CEXs into Telegram wallets. Enabling gas payments with tokens beyond TON\u2014like USDT\u2014removes friction. When ONTO added the ability to pay gas in USDT (with settlement on TON), we saw a significant uptick in transactions. Giving users multiple fee\u2011payment options drives adoption and simplifies the onboarding experience.<\/p>\n These two focus areas\u2014raising awareness of the existing Telegram wallet and offering flexible gas\u2011fee options\u2014can greatly improve user adoption and engagement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q6: JT, you\u2019ve seen a lot of projects, which do you think is the biggest friction that still hinders adoption and what do you think projects should build more on?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JT<\/em>: We\u2019ve already seen several games with strong success potential\u2014often because they proved themselves on other platforms (Facebook, iOS, Android, WeChat). If a team has a track record elsewhere, they\u2019re more likely to replicate that success on Telegram.<\/p>\n However, Telegram\u2019s audience is unique. Look at the top mini\u2011apps today:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The most successful apps understand Telegram users\u2019 specific habits and continually adapt features to match those needs. For example, NFT GIFTs<\/strong>\u2014tokenized animated stickers\u2014are gaining traction and represent a great direction for new features.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Finally, tokenized incentives<\/strong> can dramatically lower user\u2011acquisition costs. Traditional Web2 game studios often rely on paid installs, which don\u2019t translate well to Telegram. Instead, developers should craft a Telegram\u2011specific go\u2011to\u2011market strategy\u2014thoughtful referral rewards, in\u2011app token drops, and social mechanics\u2014to build organic growth. A mini\u2011game with a tailored Telegram acquisition playbook will thrive in this ecosystem.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q7: Thank you. Moving on: you mentioned gasless transactions\u2014so after our integration, we launched a zero\u2011platform\u2011fee trading campaign on TON assets, plus a closed\u2011loop incentive model. In practice, we:<\/p>\n These measures drive both user engagement and token attention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n With that in mind, I\u2019d like to ask our STON.fi and Tonstakers guests: how can we leverage zero\u2011fee trading and closed\u2011loop incentives together? For example, could we co\u2011host play\u2011to\u2011earn trading tournaments on TON, or build social token economies? Since we\u2019ve also integrated Ton Stakers for in\u2011wallet staking, what collaborative use cases do you see emerging? Let\u2019s start with Ethan.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ethan<\/em>: Absolutely. To make GameFi and SocialFi truly functional, a robust DeFi foundation is essential\u2014many games rely on custom token models and on\u2011chain utilities. TON Foundation\u2019s current focus is ensuring that DeFi infrastructure is battle\u2011tested and readily available. <\/p>\n Building MiniApps on ONTO Wallet means developers can layer their token mechanics on top of proven DeFi rails while users enjoy seamless in\u2011game earning. Beyond that, coordinated marketing campaigns<\/strong>\u2014trading contests, educational AMAs, and targeted ads\u2014help raise awareness.<\/p>\n Another high\u2011impact tactic is ambassador programs<\/strong>. Reward community advocates who stake your token and onboard new users: they grow the ecosystem and benefit as it expands. In practice, a well\u2011designed ambassador initiative taps the crowd\u2019s enthusiasm, driving both user acquisition and deeper engagement.<\/p>\n Kiwi<\/em>: I believe enabling users to interact on\u2011chain without worrying about gas fees is incredibly powerful. Often, people hesitate\u2014\u201cShould I really try sending this transaction?\u201d\u2014because they fear losing money. Removing that barrier invites experimentation and adoption. (Not financial advice, but it\u2019s definitely worth giving a gasless feature a try!<\/em>)<\/p>\n Q8: This question is for all the guests. What do you think is the best way to boost ecosystem growth and have more Web2 users into the ecosystem?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sahil<\/em>: We\u2019re in a great position as Telegram\u2019s strategic partner\u2014one of the world\u2019s largest messaging platforms\u2014so our priority isn\u2019t teaching users \u201cblockchain 101.\u201d It\u2019s delivering invisible Web3 <\/strong>experiences.<\/p>\n Compare it to the internet: you don\u2019t learn TCP\/IP before browsing\u2014you just click links. Web3 must move the same way. ONTO Wallet already offers many of these features, but the industry\u2019s biggest hurdle remains friction and complexity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If yield farming for DeFi can be condensed into a few taps\u2014with clear risk disclosures\u2014most people will choose ease over manual education. Reducing barriers to entry with streamlined UX is our foundation\u2019s core focus and the key to mass adoption.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Geoff<\/em>: Simplicity is essential\u2014but not easy. Smart contracts are inherently complex and often signed without full understanding, which can be dangerous. Teaching everyone to read contracts isn\u2019t realistic (I\u2019ve been in crypto for years and still don\u2019t feel confident doing that). So we need a solution that combines:<\/p>\n One approach I advocate is \u201chalfway houses<\/strong>\u201d\u2014semi\u2011custodial or hybrid solutions where new users enjoy some protection and ease of use before gradually transitioning to full self\u2011custody. This path reduces fear (\u201cWill I lose my keys?\u201d) and encourages experimentation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Another undervalued resource is ambassador programs. Trained community advocates guide newcomers, answer questions, and demystify the process. Our ambassadors do incredible work\u2014onboarding new users and making the ecosystem more welcoming. A strong community not only educates but also makes itself stickier, helping everyone integrate more smoothly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JT<\/em>: We built the Telegram wallet to make Web3 as easy as a single tap inside Telegram. Everything we do is designed to help users onboard with minimal friction:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By combining one\u2011tap access, zero\u2011fee on\u2011ramps, integrated yield\/staking, viral referrals, and strong partnerships, we make it effortless for anyone to discover and use Web3 right inside Telegram.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Ethan<\/em>: Sure. ONTO Wallet is heading in the right direction\u2014it’s what I\u2019d call a smart wallet.<\/p>\n What ONTO is doing well: users can check their tokens, stake via Tonstakers, and swap via STON.fi without leaving the app. This creates a smooth, integrated experience that improves usability and retention.<\/p>\n One caution though: offering too many options at once can overwhelm new users. A simplified interface for first-time users could help ease onboarding and improve engagement.<\/p>\n Another growth opportunity is through infrastructure partnerships. Many new DeFi protocols are built on infra providers that bundle essential tools. At STON.fi, we\u2019re working to integrate Omniston into these stacks to expand reach. ONTO could benefit from similar collaborations to tap into emerging ecosystems.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kiwi<\/em>: The Open Network thrives on connection<\/strong> and creation<\/strong>. Effective communication is paramount, as is the seamless onboarding and educational process for new users, both from a protocol and project perspective.<\/p>\n A crucial aspect for boosting the ecosystem is the convergence of DeFi, CeFi, GameFi, and SocialFi<\/strong>. This integration will create a singular, powerful experience.<\/p>\n It’s still very early days for The Open Network. We believe it has the potential to connect millions, even billions, of people globally, fostering unique opportunities. You are still early! We encourage you to join, explore, and be among the first to get on-chain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Q9: What updates should we be looking forward to in the TON ecosystem?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sahil<\/em>: We’ve made substantial organizational changes, including welcoming a new president and appointing Max Brown, co-founder and former CEO of MoonPay, as the new CEO of TON Foundation. These changes have enabled us to streamline our support mechanisms for projects building on TON.<\/p>\n Previously, providing consistent and efficient support to hundreds of projects was challenging. However, after two months of dedicated effort, we’ve established robust structures and processes.<\/p>\n Now, any project building on TON can access a wide range of support by visiting builders.ton.org<\/a>. This streamlined process offers various forms of assistance, from marketing and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) support to VC connections, audits, and grants. Existing support initiatives have been improved and integrated into this new system.<\/p>\n If you’re a project building on TON, we highly recommend exploring builders.ton.org. Our support team has worked tirelessly to implement these improvements, and we encourage you to utilize these resources. This represents one of the most significant updates from our ecosystem support side.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JT<\/em>: We’ve got some exciting developments on the horizon for The Open Network (TON) ecosystem!<\/p>\n We’re particularly interested in bolstering our DeFi sector. We’ll be collaborating with Ethan from Ston.fi to determine the best support for other DeFi protocols. Another major update is the recent mainnet launch of TON-based EVM on Tact. We’re eager to see how this will facilitate the import of Ethereum liquidity to the TON mainnet, significantly expanding our DeFi capabilities.<\/p>\n The Telegram Gift trading volume continues to climb, with more users engaging with this feature and utilizing Stars and the gift bot to purchase various TON-based gift NFTs. We’re also seeing a rapid increase in users on NFT secondary marketplaces, with some achieving a million monthly active users in a very short period. This is a very promising sector for us.<\/p>\n For those familiar with the TON ecosystem, you’ll know our portfolio company, Getgems, an NFT marketplace. You can always trade your NFTs on Getgems, and they’ll keep you updated on the latest trends in Telegram, Telegram games, and Telegram NFTs.<\/p>\n Given the rise of the NFT market, we anticipate new games emerging, likely incorporating more features based on the current Telegram Gift functionalities.<\/p>\n Overall, we’re very excited for the next quarter. You can expect to see a lot of new and innovative developments across the DeFi, NFT, and gaming sectors within the TON and Telegram ecosystems!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ethan<\/em>: We have some exciting updates for you! Right now, we’re running an active campaign with Ethena. You can check it out at ethena.ston.fi<\/a>. If you’re not familiar with Ethena, it’s a yield-bearing token for USD. You can stake it directly on the user interface to earn a good APR and Ethena points. It’s a great conservative way to hold stablecoins during market fluctuations.<\/p>\n We’re also developing limit order options for STON.fi. This will be a fantastic feature, allowing you to set a price to sell your assets even while you’re offline.<\/p>\n For the second half of the year, our biggest focus is building our cross-chain solution called Omniston<\/strong>. This will be a request-for-quote system that utilizes arbitrage resolvers. These arbitrage mechanisms will enable seamless cross-chain swaps.<\/p>\n This approach is fundamentally different from traditional bridges, which are often centralized and carry higher risks. By using an arbitrage mechanism, we’re creating a decentralized, on-chain method for direct swapping. We’re incredibly excited to bring this technology to the TON ecosystem.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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Now, about Omniston<\/strong> and why it\u2019s beneficial for ONTO Wallet users:<\/li>\nChallenges, Opportunities, & Co-Building<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Map all your wallets\u2014Ethereum, TON, Solana, and beyond\u2014to one human\u2011readable DID.
Enjoy passwordless login and unified access across chains.<\/li>\n
It\u2019s not just about moving assets; it\u2019s about carrying your history and trust with you.
We\u2019re building systems that merge on\u2011chain activity (staking, gaming, airdrops) with off\u2011chain behavior so you never lose your reputation when you switch chains.<\/li>\n
No more juggling addresses, passwords, or separate profiles per chain.
One DID + one reputation score = one seamless user journey across all your chains and dApps.\n\n
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Wallets and dApps should hide blockchain complexity. Users shouldn\u2019t feel like they\u2019re \u201cgoing on\u2011chain.\u201d<\/li>\n
Simplification can\u2019t compromise safety. We need seamless abstractions backed by secure defaults.\n\n
No downloads or extensions\u2014users open Telegram and instantly access their Web3 wallet.<\/li>\n
Buy USDT with fiat at 0% fees, removing the complexity and cost of CEX transfers.<\/li>\n
We recently added USDE (a yield\u2011bearing stablecoin) so users can earn attractive returns directly in their wallet.
Our portfolio partner Ton Stakers is also integrated, offering seamless staking without leaving Telegram.<\/li>\n
Telegram\u2019s social features (groups, channels, DMs) power referral campaigns and airdrops.
For example, a mini\u2011game called \u201cHamster Combat\u201d used two\u2011sided referral rewards to reach 239 million users. Rewarding both inviters and invitees drives explosive, organic growth.<\/li>\n
We partner with leading projects across DeFi, GameFi, and SocialFi\u2014and promote them through Telegram\u2019s in\u2011app tools\u2014to continuously attract new users.\nLooking Ahead: Roadmap & Collaboration<\/strong><\/h2>\n