Key TakeawaysBitget Wallets $20M grant aims to fuel the development of Telegram Mini Apps. This offers developers an opportunity to create innovative crypto projects within the messaging platform.$TONs Total Value Locked (TVL) has dropped by nearly 50% since July. Factors like the Hamster Kombat tokens ($HMSTR) disappointing launch contributed to the downturn.The grant could help revamp Telegrams blockchain platform, sparking new projects that combine crypto with everyday functionality to attract more users.Bidget Wallet has just dropped a $20M bombshell a grant dedicated entirely to supporting developers creating Mini Apps for Telegram.Telegram Mini AppIf youre not quite sure what a Mini App is and havent heard about Hamster Kombat, think of it as a handy bite-sized app within Telegram.Like a mini-browser within the messaging app, it allows you to do everything from checking the weather to making crypto trades.The new grant program is designed to encourage fresh projects in the Mini Apps ecosystem. This could offer developers funding and open doors to innovative possibilities.$TON TVL Plummets Nearly 50% since JulyPopular Telegram Mini Apps like NotcoinThis Telegram-linked blockchain saw a sharp rise in growth throughout 2024.However, since Julys peak of $776.6M, $TONs Total Value Locked (TVL) nearly halved as users pulled funds from its ecosystem.Source: DefiLlama$TON first took a hit when Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested in France, causing widespread concern.$HMSTRs listing further added to the instability, as initial excitement around the token quickly changed to disappointment.$HMSTR was listed in September 2024 with an approximate $0.014 price but quickly dropped to lower values like $0.0069 within days (now its around $0.0045).Source: CoinMarketCapFor players who earned tokens through in-game activity, this translated to very modest earnings, often around $8$12 after months of gameplay.Considering the hype surrounding the tokens launch on popular exchanges like Binance, many people felt let down.Whats Next for Telegram Mini Apps and Bitget?Bitgets $20M grant is well-timed.Developers have a chance to build Mini Apps that might revitalize the platform and capture a new wave of user interest.With sufficient funding, they can push the boundaries of whats possible within Telegram. Whether thats creating new games, finance tools, or enhancing user interaction in chats.And Bitget is no stranger to the industry. Earlier in 2024, they launched initiatives to expand theirwallet capabilities, like new features for decentralized finance (DeFi), and increased token support.Bitgets approach hints at a new trend: integrating wallets directly into social media platforms.This grant could be the next phase in Bitgets ambition to lead in the crypto wallet space.Can Mini Apps Reignite Interest in $TON?While $TONs popularity was boosted by its Telegram integration, the platforms future may now depend on how developers leverage this grant.Ideally, it will create a fresh lineup of Mini Apps that make blockchain technology more accessible, relevant, and engaging to everyday users.With user-friendly Mini Apps and Bitgets backing, TONs TVL might recover yet. But its up to developers to make it happen.ReferencesClick to expand and view referencesThe Guardian: Pavel Durovs Arrest in France (The Guardian website)Binance: Hamster Kombat Token Listing (Binance website)Bitget: TONs TVL has risen to $776M (Bitget News)DeFiLlama: TONs TVL (DeFiLlama website)Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Anya Zhukova is a tech and crypto writer with 8+ years of experience creating practical, easy-to-understand content for top publications like MakeUseOf, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, Switching to Mac, and Make Tech Easier.An advocate for financial freedom, Anya covers the latest in cryptocurrency, tech trends, and product reviews to keep readers informed and empowered.Through her work with brands like Framework, Insta360, Redmagic, Inmotion, Secretlab, Kodak, and Anker, she brings a hands-on perspective to her reviews, helping people get the most out of new tech. View all articles by Anya Zhukova Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.