Build for a Billion: Why The Open Hack on TON Is the Web3 Opportunity You Can't Miss

Let’s get straight to it:

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to break into Web3 — this is it.

No gatekeeping. No hype cycles. Just raw opportunity.

The Open Hack is calling.

Starting July 3, during EthCC in Cannes, builders from all over the world will come together — online and offline — to do what most can’t: Ship fast. Launch big. Build for impact.

And they’ll do it on TON, the only Layer 1 built directly into a billion-user app — Telegram.

Now imagine this. You start with just an idea. Two weeks later, you’ve built something real — a product ready to scale, win prizes, attract users, and land support from one of the most powerful ecosystems in crypto.

That’s not a dream. That’s The Open Hack.

Here’s why you should stop what you’re doing and jump in.

WHAT IS THE OPEN HACK?

The Open Hack is a two-phase, two-week Web3 hackathon focused on building on The Open Network (TON) — the only blockchain embedded into Telegram.

It kicks off July 3 at EthCC Cannes with IdeaTON, a live + online brainstorming and pitch session hosted at the iconic Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic. Then, it rolls into a two-week build sprint that wraps up on July 22.

You can participate online from anywhere in the world, collaborate with others, access top-tier mentors, and get your product in front of the TON Foundation and its ecosystem of investors, partners, and users.

WHY TON?

Let’s be real — Web3 is still struggling with real adoption. But TON has a cheat code: Telegram.

With 900M+ monthly users, TON is the only blockchain embedded natively into a social platform at scale. That means your product isn’t stuck in crypto Twitter echo chambers — it’s instantly accessible to real users.

You can build things like:

Games with Telegram login and Stars integration

Simplified DeFi products using Telegram bots

AI tools that connect to TON smart contracts

Payment solutions powered by Telegram Gifts

NFT or asset platforms with Soulbound Tokens (SBTs)

And more.

One line of code can plug you into millions.

That’s what makes TON different — and that’s why builders are flocking here.

HOW IT WORKS

Phase 1: IdeaTON – July 3

📍 Live in Cannes at EthCC + Online Livestream

🕐 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM CET

This is where the magic begins. You’ll:

Pitch your idea

Form or join a team

Get feedback from mentors

Choose your build vertical (see below)

Start mapping out your MVP

Don’t worry if you can’t attend in person — everything will be streamed, and online participants are fully supported.

Phase 2: Hackathon – July 3 to 22

📍 100% Online

You’ll get two full weeks to bring your idea to life.

✅ Build an MVP

✅ Use TON Connect (required)

✅ Integrate Telegram/TON features (recommended)

✅ Attend expert sessions

✅ Get mentorship

✅ Submit your project

There are four virtual build sessions with expert developers and product mentors to guide you at every step.

WHAT TO BUILD

You’ll choose from one of five verticals:

1. GameFi – Games powered by Telegram’s social layer and on-chain assets

2. Simplified DeFi – New ways to onboard users into finance with bots and UIs that make sense

3. Payments – Build better crypto payment tools using TON and Telegram Gifts

4. AI + Web3 – Combine large language models with smart contracts, ownership, or rewards

5. Telegram Assets – Create utilities around Stars, SBTs, NFTs, or tokenized communities

Use cases are wide open. What matters is creativity, simplicity, and how well your product fits into the TON + Telegram stack.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Besides the bragging rights?

🏆 $6,000 in prizes for 10 winners

🎁 Grants from top API & Cloud providers

🚀 Access to TON’s growth & listing support

📣 A TON Nest "Roast Session" for top projects

🧠 1-on-1 mentorship from TON Foundation and partners

This isn’t just a weekend hackathon. It’s a real launchpad.

Top projects get a fast track into the TON ecosystem — including potential funding, marketing support, and Telegram visibility.

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WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Everyone.

Seriously.

Whether you’re a:

Developer

Product designer

Hacker

Student

Web3 founder

Crypto-curious first-timer

...this is for you.

You don’t need to have raised capital. You don’t need a big team. You just need the drive to build.

This is the most inclusive Web3 hackathon of the year — and all you need is an internet connection.

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WHO’S BACKING THIS?

Some of the top players in the TON space are throwing their weight behind this:

@ston_fi

@dropee_app

@evaaprotocol

@stonksbots

@yourholders

@elizaOS

@wearessociety

And more are joining daily.

They’re offering mentorship, support, and in some cases — even potential funding.

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READY TO BUILD THE FUTURE?

Here’s the truth:

Most hackathons are just code contests. You build. You win. You move on.

But The Open Hack is different.

This is about shaping the future of Telegram-native Web3 — building real tools that millions of people can use.

It’s about lowering the barrier to entry and letting anyone, from anywhere, make something valuable. It’s about access. Community. Collaboration. And actually shipping.

If you’ve got ideas, this is your chance to turn them into something powerful.

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REGISTER NOW

Spots are filling fast. Don’t wait.

👉 Register for The Open Hack here

https://lu.ma/93dgpy9z

Start with an idea.

End with a product.

Make it matter.

This is your moment. Answer the call. Build on TON.