The TON blockchain will launch EVM-compatible layer-2 network using Polygon CDK

The TON blockchain, known for its affiliation with the popular messaging app Telegram, has announced a new project called the TON Applications Chain (TAC).

TON announced this initiative on July 9, 2024 at the Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) in Brussels, Belgium that takes place between July 8-11.

The TAC is set to be a layer-2 network within the TON ecosystem, utilizing technology from Polygon, particularly their Chain Development Kit (CDK) and AggLayer.

Polygon | Aggregated on X: "TON Applications Chain (TAC) is building a zk-powered L2 w/ Polygon CDK that will connect to the AggLayer, enabling seamless interop & unified liquidity for the @ton_blockchain ecosystem + EVM compatibility for telegram dApps + even more users for the aggregated blockchain"

The TAC is a collaboration between The Open Network (TON) and Polygon Labs.

The CDK is a customizable toolkit that allows developers to create their own layer-2 blockchains based on Polygon’s zero-knowledge technology, while the AggLayer is an interoperability layer designed to address blockchain fragmentation.

AggLayer is an interoperability protocol for zero-knowledge blockchains.

AggLayer works by aggregating ZK proofs from all connected chains to create cross-chain transactions.

Polygon CDK chains, L2 chains, L1 chains that use zero-knowledge proofs can use AggLayer.

A significant aspect of the TAC is its compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which means that developers who have built applications on the Ethereum standard could easily transition to the new TAC layer-2 network.

This compatibility is expected to facilitate the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, gaming, and decentralized identity solutions within the TON ecosystem.

The decision to build on the Polygon ecosystem was influenced by its EVM compatibility, the seamless availability of liquidity from EVM chains via AggLayer, comprehensive deployment support, and Polygon’s expertise in EVM.

The vibrant community surrounding Polygon also played a crucial role in this strategic decision.

This development is part of a broader trend where major blockchain companies are creating their own layer-2 networks, often atop Ethereum, to enhance scalability and interoperability within the blockchain space.

The Open Network blockchain uses FunC as a programming language for the TON Virtual Machine (TVM). It’s not easy for bridging assets with EVM chains.

The TAC will make bridging assets between other EVM chains easier.