If you’re thinking about starting a decentralized exchange for more than a month, then you’ve probably checked out blockchain networks like Ethereum, BNB Chain, or Polygon, and more. But, TON (The Open Network) is another platform that’s been steadily improving in this highly competitive space.
This network is backed by Telegram and made for fast speeds, low costs, and widespread use. TON is becoming a real option for DeFi creators. If you’re planning to create a DEX in 2026, using TON could give you an advantage.
So, here’s the step-by-step guide to dex platform development on the TON blockchain network.
1. Understand Why Choose TON
Remember: Before you build, understand the platform.
TON is a layer-1 blockchain originally developed by Telegram, now maintained by the open-source TON Foundation. It’s optimized for mobile-first use, ultra-fast execution, and low network fees. It has over 900,000 daily active wallets and has seen a sharp rise in DeFi-related developer activity in the past year.
For founders, this means you’re not only using a powerful blockchain but also building within a growing group of users who are already using it.
Next…
2. Decide The DEX Type You Want To Build
DEXs can be different.
So, before looking for the DEX development service, decide early on what type of DEX you want to start. Will you create a DEX based on AMM, like Uniswap or PancakeSwap?
Now, some of you might think, “Can TON’s design handle advanced trading systems in addition to simpler automated market makers (AMMs)?”
Actually, TON can do both, but AMMs are quicker to set up and work better with the current ways to manage money.
Also, consider whether you want to include:
Liquidity farmingNative stakingNFT integrationOn-chain analytics for traders
The model you choose will define your feature set, tech stack, and liquidity plan.
3. Pick the Right Clone or Framework
If you are using a pre-made DEX script to launch fast, check that it works with TON Virtual Machine (TVM) and the smart contract framework that TON supports.
TON is different from Ethereum and doesn’t use Solidity. It has its own language, FunC, for smart contracts. Make sure your code works with TON. Ensure that you have hired a Defi development company that can change it to work well.
Don’t just aim to replicate Ethereum DEX designs. Understand how TON works to avoid problems later when launching and checking your DEX. Partner with the team that can build a DEX on Ton blockchain.
4. Create and Check Smart Contracts
After your contract logic is ready, you can launch it and make it live. But TON smart contracts work differently from those on EVM chains, so make sure that the DEX development company tests well before deployment.
So, hire a DEX development team that specializes in using tools like:
TON CLI and TON Dev Tools.Testnet environment for stress testing pools and trades.Explorer integration to verify live transaction data
If you’re working with external contributors or validators, test interaction flows like liquidity provision, swap execution, and token listing approvals.
5. Focus On Creating a Simple, Mobile-Friendly DEX
Here’s where TON really differs from other chains. Its community is largely Telegram-based and mobile-heavy.
Your DEX website should be simple, work well on phones, and load quickly. It’s good if it works with TON wallets like Tonkeeper or Tonhub, which are popular with Telegram users.
So, ask your DEX development company to implement intuitive layouts on your DEX. And, aim to make trading easy and clear for people using phones.
6. Launch and Get People to Use It
After launching, focus on getting more money into your DEX and getting more users.
To get people to use your decentralized exchange, think about connecting with other projects on TON or using Telegram Mini Apps to get new users at the initial stages.
By mid-2026, the total value locked in TON’s DeFi world was more than $170 million, and it keeps growing every month. So, stepping into this space now will be the smarter choice.
Final Thoughts
So, building a DEX platform on the TON blockchain will be a good idea, but one thing you need to keep in mind is “hiring a reliable decentralized exchange development company”. Why? Because the TON network and its smart contracts framework are different from existing platforms, only experienced companies that know how to build DEX on Ton Blockchain can offer you a bug-free protocol.
https://www.innblockchain.com/defi-development
#DeFiDevelopment #DeFiCompany #BlockchainDevelopment #SmartContracts #DEXDevelopment #Web3 #CryptoDevelopment
How to Develop a Decentralized Exchange Using TON Network was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.