We’re excited to announce /cohort_0.2—a $5M initiative to bring the Mantle and TON ecosystems together, fostering cross-chain synergy with the backing of the Mantle Ecosystem Fund, GSR, TON Ventures, and execution by TON Accelerator. This program is all about creating new opportunities for Web3 builders, offering the tools, resources, and liquidity needed to build impactful projects at scale.

Applications are already rolling in, with incredible submissions for cross-chain product applications, but we know there’s even more creativity out there waiting to shine. This is an open call for builders—whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting your journey, the conditions for creating something extraordinary in crypto have never been better.

What’s in it for you?

For the first time, you can build for millions of users while accessing immense liquidity opportunities across Mantle and the broader EVM ecosystem. The possibilities are endless, and we’re here to help you explore them.

To spark your creativity, we’ve outlined some of the most exciting ideas we’d love to see in this cohort. If one resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you! If you have a different vision altogether, even better—this program is here to support transformative ideas, no matter where they come from.

The time to build is now. Apply to /cohort_0.2 today and get the resources you need to turn your idea into reality. Applications are open until December 31, 2024.

Here are some ideas we think are especially cool and worth building:

1. Unified identity and wallet solutions

Opportunity: Build a seamless wallet solution that allows users to interact with both TON and EVM dApps using a single identity. By simplifying onboarding and access, you can enable more users to dive into Web3 without friction. Focus on creating a user-friendly experience with a clean, intuitive design.

Why it matters: A smooth, unified experience can remove barriers and drive mass adoption.

Inspiration: Phantom.

2. Cross-chain yield aggregation and complexity abstraction

Opportunity: Develop a cross-chain yield aggregator that operates seamlessly across Mantle and TON, allowing users to maximize returns by tapping into opportunities on multiple networks. Design a retail-oriented front end with a sleek, CEX-like experience, leveraging Telegram as a key distribution channel.

Why it matters: Allows users to optimize their returns by accessing yield opportunities across multiple VMs and blockchain networks.

Inspiration: Infinex.

3. Composable decentralized credit protocols

Opportunity: Establish decentralized credit systems that assess on-chain creditworthiness via decentralized identity (DID) and cross-chain data aggregation.

Why it matters: Building credit protocols fosters financial inclusion for the unbanked and underbanked globally, unlocking new opportunities for many users within the TON Ecosystem.

Inspiration: OnChain Loans backed by Reputation via SBTs or NFTs.

4. Cross-chain micro-payment system

Opportunity: Create decentralized infrastructure for recurring payments across Mantle, TON, and EVM networks, supporting subscription services and SaaS platforms.

Why it matters: Small payments like subscriptions and donations are a huge part of the global economy. By leveraging blockchain technology, we can make them decentralized, scalable, and more accessible than ever.

Inspiration: PayPal Micropayments, Dropp, Flattr.

5. Cross-chain staking and collateralization aggregator

Opportunity: Enable users to collateralize assets across Mantle, TON, and other EVM chains for staking rewards or accessing decentralized loans.

Why it matters: Capital efficiency is key to unlocking DeFi’s full potential.

Inspiration: Sanctum.

6. Payments and remittance

Opportunity: Partner with local governments or institutions to issue stablecoins and facilitate remittance via Telegram, settled on TON, with seamless interoperability across Mantle and other EVM networks. Focus on underbanked regions or those reliant on remittance. Telegram’s intuitive interface provides a massive opportunity for TON to become the leading chain for remittances.

Why it matters: Region-specific stablecoins can drive financial inclusion and resilience.

Inspiration: TransferWise, Venmo, TerraPay.

7. Cross-chain DEXs and AMMs

Opportunity: Develop a decentralized trading platform that uses solver networks to enable seamless cross-chain asset swaps. This would aggregate liquidity across multiple blockchain networks—such as Ethereum, TON, and Mantle—while protecting users from MEV exploitation and reducing transaction complexity. ****

Why it matters: Cross-chain functionality simplifies user experience by eliminating manual bridging and fragmentation, aggregating liquidity for better trade execution, and extending MEV resistance to multi-chain transactions.

Inspiration: CoWSwap.

8. Games and gaming infrastructure

Opportunity: Create standards and infrastructure for on-chain gaming, including but not limited to random number generation, on-chain achievements, and on-chain matching. Build lasting games that utilize the mini app framework, Telegram’s social graph, TON’s scalability, and EVM liquidity.

Why it matters: Cross-chain environments open the floodgates for user acquisition and offer diverse liquidity and capital for underlying game assets.

Inspiration: Citizen.

9. Social finance

Opportunity: Telegram’s massive, naturally social user base is ripe for activation, yet the application layer has untapped potential. We are seeking solutions that simplify blockchain complexities, allowing users to trade and interact with on-chain assets, all while fostering connections through social cooperation games.

Why it matters: Solver networks and MPC wallets provide a significant improvement to user experience, enabling seamless interaction with a diversified blockchain stack without added complexity.

Inspiration: Fantasy, Friendtech.

10. AI and AI Agents deployed in Telegram

Opportunity: Build AI agents integrated with Telegram to automate tasks, enhance community interactions, and deliver personalized experiences. Leverage TON’s scalability and distribution mechanism, Mantle’s infrastructure and EVM liquidity, and Telegram’s versatile platform for the deployment of mini apps.

Why it matters: AI agents are the future of community interaction, community building, and social media engagement. Telegram has yet to tap into this potential, making it a prime opportunity for innovation.

Inspiration: Truth Terminal (backed by GOAT and ai16z).

Ready to build something big? Submit your application today and let’s make it happen together!