The TON Blockchain ecosystem is set for a major expansion with the introduction of a new layer-2 network—TON Applications Chain (TAC)—built using core technology from Polygon. This strategic move aims to bridge the growing Telegram-integrated blockchain environment with Ethereum’s vast developer community, unlocking new possibilities in decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and identity solutions.
What Is the TON Applications Chain (TAC)?
The TON Applications Chain (TAC) is an upcoming layer-2 scaling solution designed specifically for the TON (The Open Network) ecosystem. Unlike standalone blockchains, TAC operates as an extension layer that enhances transaction speed and reduces costs while maintaining security through its underlying infrastructure.
TAC leverages Polygon’s Chain Development Kit (CDK) and AggLayer, two cutting-edge tools that enable modular, zero-knowledge (zk) powered blockchain development and cross-chain interoperability. By integrating these technologies, TAC ensures seamless communication between Ethereum-based networks and the TON ecosystem.
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This development marks a pivotal step toward making TON more accessible to Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible developers, allowing them to deploy existing dApps or build new ones tailored for Telegram’s massive global user base—over 800 million active users as of 2025.
Why EVM Compatibility Matters
One of the most significant advantages of TAC is its full EVM compatibility. The Ethereum Virtual Machine serves as the runtime environment for smart contracts on Ethereum and many other blockchains. Over 90% of decentralized applications today are built using EVM standards.
By supporting EVM, TAC enables developers to:
- Migrate existing DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and Web3 games with minimal code changes.
- Utilize familiar tools like MetaMask, Hardhat, and Solidity.
- Tap into Telegram’s embedded wallet and social infrastructure for instant user onboarding.
Pavel Altukhov, founder of TAC, emphasized this strategic decision:
“We chose to build on the Polygon ecosystem for its EVM compatibility, seamless availability of liquidity from EVM chains via AggLayer, comprehensive deployment support, and Polygon's EVM expertise. The vibrant community surrounding Polygon was also a crucial factor in our decision.”
Leveraging Polygon’s CDK and AggLayer
Chain Development Kit (CDK)
Polygon’s Chain Development Kit (CDK) provides a modular framework for creating customizable layer-2 and layer-3 blockchains. It supports both optimistic and zk-rollup mechanisms, ensuring high throughput and low fees without sacrificing security.
For TAC, CDK offers:
- Rapid deployment of application-specific chains.
- Customizable consensus and data availability layers.
- Native integration with Ethereum via Polygon’s proof systems.
AggLayer: Unifying Fragmented Chains
Blockchain fragmentation has long been a challenge—users and liquidity are often siloed across different networks. AggLayer addresses this by acting as a unified settlement layer that connects multiple chains into a single cohesive system.
With AggLayer, TAC can:
- Aggregate proofs from various rollups into one finality layer on Ethereum.
- Enable trustless asset transfers between TON, Ethereum, and other CDK-based chains.
- Reduce bridging risks and latency through standardized messaging.
This combination of CDK and AggLayer positions TAC as not just a scaling solution, but a true interoperability hub linking Web3 ecosystems.
Expanding Use Cases: DeFi, Gaming, and Identity
The launch of TAC opens the door for advanced decentralized applications within the TON ecosystem. Key sectors expected to benefit include:
Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
With access to EVM tooling and cross-chain liquidity via AggLayer, DeFi projects can launch lending platforms, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), yield aggregators, and stablecoins directly on TAC. These services can then be seamlessly embedded into Telegram mini-apps, offering frictionless financial access to millions.
Web3 Gaming
Game developers can leverage TAC’s high-speed processing to create real-time multiplayer games with on-chain asset ownership. In-game currencies, skins, and achievements can be tokenized as NFTs and traded across platforms—all while benefiting from near-instant finality and low transaction costs.
Decentralized Identity (DID)
TON has already shown interest in digital identity solutions. With TAC, users could manage self-sovereign identities linked to their Telegram accounts, enabling secure logins, credential verification, and privacy-preserving KYC processes across dApps.
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Industry Context: The Rise of Modular Layer-2 Networks
TAC joins a growing trend of projects adopting modular blockchain architectures. Over the past year, major players have launched their own layer-2 solutions using shared tech stacks:
- Coinbase Base: Built on Optimism’s OP Stack.
- Worldcoin: Developing a layer-2 rollup with OP Stack.
- Celo: Transitioning to an OP Stack-based L2.
- OKX X Layer: Also built using Polygon’s CDK.
These developments signal a shift toward specialized application chains rather than general-purpose monolithic blockchains. By outsourcing consensus and data availability to proven infrastructures like Polygon’s, teams can focus on user experience and vertical-specific innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between TON and TAC?
TON (The Open Network) is the primary blockchain originally developed with ties to Telegram. TAC (TON Applications Chain) is a new layer-2 network built on top of the TON ecosystem using Polygon technology. TAC does not replace TON but extends its capabilities for EVM-compatible applications.
Is TAC developed by the official TON Foundation?
No. While TAC integrates with the TON ecosystem, it is being developed independently by The Open Platform—a venture fund focused on TON-based innovations—not by the core TON Foundation team.
How does TAC achieve Ethereum compatibility?
TAC uses Polygon’s CDK to implement full EVM equivalence, meaning it can execute Ethereum smart contracts byte-for-byte. This allows developers to deploy existing dApps without rewriting code.
Will TAC have its own token?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding a native token for TAC. It is expected to rely on existing assets within the TON and Ethereum ecosystems for gas fees and staking.
Can I use my MetaMask wallet with TAC?
Yes. Due to EVM compatibility, wallets like MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Rabby will work seamlessly with TAC once integrated into supported dApps and wallets.
When will TAC go live?
The official mainnet launch date has not yet been announced. However, development updates were shared during EthCC 2024 in Brussels, indicating active progress toward public release.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of the TON Applications Chain (TAC) represents a strategic fusion of two powerful blockchain ecosystems: TON’s mass-market reach via Telegram and Polygon’s advanced layer-2 infrastructure. By combining EVM compatibility with zk-powered scalability and cross-chain interoperability, TAC lowers barriers for developers and users alike.
As modular blockchain design becomes the norm, projects like TAC demonstrate how specialization, collaboration, and shared tooling can accelerate Web3 adoption at scale.
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