In a Web3 realm, The Open Network (TON) emerges as a fertile ground for innovators, developers, and dreamers united by a common quest: to redefine the boundaries of what's possible in the decentralized world. The heartbeat of this thriving ecosystem is our community, a collective force driving projects that reimagine how we interact with technology and each other. As the narrative of innovation unfolds, the spotlight often shines on the end products, leaving the remarkable journeys and the minds behind them in the shadows.

But no more.

Welcome to "TON Innovators," a fresh new content series dedicated to celebrating the human essence and ingenious minds driving the evolution of the TON Ecosystem. Through interviews with project visionaries, developers, and other members of the TON community, we delve into the stories, challenges, and motivations that fuel the continuous cycle of creation and growth within the TON Ecosystem.

Each episode of "TON Innovators" offers a unique lens through which we explore the impact and vision of those building on TON. Our conversations aim to bridge the space between the technical and the personal, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the human element at the heart of TON's technological progress.

Let's get to the premiere interview of TON Innovators without any further ado. Today, we're exploring the EVAA Protocol, the first decentralized lending protocol on TON that lets users lend or borrow assets without going to a centralized intermediary.

This interview is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, approval, or recommendation of the project. The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of the TON Foundation. This is not an investment advice.

Can you briefly explain EVAA protocol to us? What is your core product?

The EVAA protocol is a pioneering decentralized lending platform on the TON blockchain. Our core product is a lending protocol that allows users to lend and borrow digital assets without the need for a central intermediary. It harnesses the power of smart contracts to offer secure, transparent, and accessible transactions.

The protocol is designed to work seamlessly within the TON ecosystem and offers an intuitive user experience through integration with Telegram Messenger.

Please explain the idea behind decentralized lending. What does it mean, and what are the benefits?

Decentralized lending is a concept where borrowing and lending of assets occur directly between parties without the involvement of traditional institutions. This approach leverages blockchain technology to create a trustless environment where smart contracts replace intermediaries.

The benefits are manifold: it ensures greater transparency, lower fees, faster transactions, and accessibility to a broader range of participants. This approach also expands the availability of various services to communities lacking traditional economic support, while diminishing the likelihood of censorship or domination by any single organization.

Let’s talk about your team. Who are the founders, and what led you to create EVAA?

The team behind EVAA, comprising innovators and developers, recognized the need for a more flexible and transparent lending system in the DeFi space. Inspired by the capabilities of the TON blockchain, they set out to develop tools for more effective decentralized economic governance.

Does your team have previous blockchain experience, or is this your first project?

We have a solid foundation in blockchain technology and DeFi. The development of such a platform typically requires experience and a deep understanding of blockchain mechanics, security, and smart contract development.

Out of curiosity, why the name EVAA?

We like to say that we bring the opposite experience of AAVE. We bring the simplest and fastest experience in DeFi to Telegram.

Why should I choose EVAA and not one of its competitors?

Choosing EVAA over competitors comes down to several key differentiators. First, our integration with the TON blockchain, known for its high-speed and eco-friendly transactions, allows for a more efficient and scalable DeFi experience.

Additionally, EVAA's user-centric design, which prioritizes simplicity and security, makes it accessible to both seasoned DeFi enthusiasts and newcomers. Moreover, our upcoming features, such as the release of our SDK, will enable even more innovative and flexible tools, keeping us at the cutting edge of DeFi.

Now, let’s talk about TON. What led you to build on TON?

TON's advanced blockchain technology offers unparalleled scalability and a user-friendly environment, which align perfectly with EVAA's mission to democratize economic empowerment for everyone. The network's capability to handle high transaction throughput means our users can enjoy a fast and smooth experience.

TON's commitment to sustainability and widespread adoption through Telegram also provide a solid foundation for reaching a broad and diverse user base.

These days, it’s all about Telegram-integrated apps. Do you plan to integrate EVAA into Telegram?

Absolutely, integration with Telegram is not just a plan—it's a cornerstone of our strategy. EVAA is designed to work hand in hand with Telegram through mini apps, which positions us at the forefront of user experience in the DeFi lending and borrowing sector. This integration allows users to manage their assets within the familiar interface of Telegram, simplifying the process and ensuring that the experience is smooth, accessible, and efficient.

We believe that by embedding EVAA within Telegram, we're not just following a trend; we're setting a new standard for convenience and user engagement in the DeFi world.

Thank you for the interview. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Any major plans, new products, or events?

We're thrilled to share that EVAA is continually evolving. Our roadmap includes expanding multi-asset collateral options and enhancing our risk assessment algorithms to provide even safer lending options. Keep an eye out for our community events and upcoming platform updates.

We're dedicated to empowering our users with the most advanced tools in DeFi and are excited about what the future holds with EVAA and the TON.