Tokamak Network is a blockchain platform designed to provide customizable, on-demand Layer 2 (L2) scaling solutions for the Ethereum network. Established in 2018, the project's mission is to offer the "easiest and trustless way to build blockchain applications" by providing a flexible framework that enables developers to create and deploy application-specific L2 chains tailored to their unique requirements. This approach is intended to address Ethereum's inherent scalability challenges, such as high transaction costs and low throughput, thereby supporting the growth of decentralized applications (dApps) and facilitating the mass adoption of blockchain technology. The platform primarily targets developers and service providers in sectors like decentralized finance (DeFi) who require high performance, enhanced functionality, and customizable fee policies that the Ethereum mainnet cannot natively support. ^{[19] [20]}

The core of Tokamak Network's technology is its open-source software stack, Thanos, which is a direct fork of Optimism's OP Stack. By building upon the OP Stack's battle-tested Bedrock architecture, Thanos provides a robust and modular foundation for creating L2 rollups. This allows developers to leverage a secure and efficient base while customizing key aspects of their L2 network. The central product built on this technology is the Tokamak Rollup Hub, a platform that functions as a control center for deploying these specialized, "on-demand" L2s. Through the Rollup Hub, a project can launch a chain optimized for a specific use case, such as a high-throughput gaming platform, a privacy-focused application, or a DeFi protocol with unique transaction requirements. ^{[21] [22]}

Since its inception, the project's technical design has evolved significantly. It initially gained recognition for an innovative implementation of Plasma technology, a Layer 2 scaling solution that processes transactions off-chain. This early design was praised by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin for its novelty. Over time, the network has broadened its focus to incorporate a more comprehensive suite of scaling technologies, with a strategic shift towards rollups. This versatility allows the platform to offer various solutions to meet diverse developer needs. The native asset of the network, TOKAMAK (formerly TON), serves as both a utility token for participating in network services and a governance token for the Tokamak DAO. It is important to note that Tokamak Network is not affiliated with the project Toncoin. ^{[19] [20]}

To support its ecosystem, Tokamak Network has launched several key services and protocols. These include a bridge for facilitating secure asset transfers between its L2 networks and the Ethereum mainnet, a swap function for token exchanges, and staking mechanisms that allow token holders to participate in network security. Governance is managed through the Tokamak DAO, which is transitioning towards a model that grants token holders more direct control over the protocol's future. The project is also actively developing advanced technologies such as a new class of zk-EVM designed to lower the hardware barrier for provers, a blob-sharing protocol to reduce data availability costs for rollups, and a cross-chain swap system that minimizes reliance on third parties. Through these technological offerings and a developer-centric focus supported by a grant program, Tokamak Network aims to build a self-sustaining and innovative ecosystem on Ethereum. ^[22]

Overvieww

Tokamak Network positions itself as a developer-centric ecosystem that provides tools and incentives for building decentralized applications (dApps), particularly in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. The project's core offering is an "On-Demand Ethereum Layer 2 Platform," which allows developers to select from various Layer 2 solutions to build and operate their services without having to create a new mainnet. This approach is intended to lower the barrier to entry for developers and foster a self-sustaining ecosystem built upon its protocols. The native utility and governance asset of the network is the TON token. ^[2]

The project's technical design has evolved since its inception. Initially, its architecture was based on an innovative implementation of Plasma technology, a Layer 2 scaling solution that processes transactions off-chain. This early design received recognition from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. Over time, the network has expanded its focus to incorporate other scaling technologies, most notably rollups. The development of the Tokamak Rollup Hub signifies a strategic shift towards providing a more versatile and comprehensive suite of Layer 2 options. The core development entity behind the network is known as Onther, with Kevin Jeong serving as CEO as of early 2021. ^[1]

History

The Tokamak Network project began around August 2017, the month its official X (formerly Twitter) account was established. In its early stages, the project focused on developing its Layer 2 solutions, with its development team, Onther, publishing educational materials on the topic by July 2020. The network began to engage with the broader cryptocurrency market through a collaboration with the exchange Upbit Indonesia for a "price survey" in August 2020. ^[1]

A significant milestone occurred on November 12, 2020, when the project announced a strategic update, rebranding itself as an "On-Demand Layer 2 Platform." This rebranding clarified its mission to provide a flexible and accessible framework for developers. During the same period, Tokamak Network participated in a collaborative webinar focused on DeFi and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) trends in Southeast Asia and Korea, alongside partners such as Moonstake, Tezos Combinator, and Bifrost Finance. ^[1]

In January 2021, the project's technical contributions were recognized when it won the "Best Technological Innovation Award" at the "PARTY Award 2020," an event organized by PANONY and PANews. Development continued to progress, and by September 2025, the project's monthly newsletter reported that the Tokamak Rollup Hub platform was entering its final release stage. The newsletter also announced the completion of the Cross-Trade DApp and that security audits for a component referred to as DRB were nearly finished. ^[1]

Technology

Tokamak Network's technology is structured around three main pillars: Layer 2 infrastructure for scalability, protocols for enhanced security and reliability, and systems for decentralized governance. ^[2]

L2 Infrastructure and Scalability

The network's core infrastructure is designed to provide flexible and efficient scaling solutions for Ethereum-based applications.

Tokamak Rollup Hub

The Tokamak Rollup Hub is the central platform for deploying application-specific Layer 2 networks. It functions as a framework that allows developers to create and launch their own customized rollups. This "on-demand" capability enables the creation of specialized networks optimized for specific use cases, such as privacy-focused applications, high-throughput gaming platforms, or DeFi protocols with unique transaction requirements. By providing a standardized but customizable environment, the Rollup Hub aims to simplify the process of leveraging Layer 2 technology. ^{[3] [4]}

zk-EVM Project

Tokamak Network is actively developing a new type of zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zk-EVM). The primary goal of this project is to lower the hardware requirements necessary for a user to operate as a prover in the zero-knowledge proof generation process. Provers are essential for validating transactions in a zk-rollup system, but the computational intensity of this task often leads to centralization among entities with powerful hardware. By reducing these requirements, the project aims to increase the decentralization and accessibility of its zk-rollup solutions, allowing more participants to contribute to network security. ^{[5] [6]}

Blob Sharing for L2s

This protocol is designed to address the high costs associated with data availability on Layer 1 for rollups. Rollups must post transaction data to the underlying mainnet (Ethereum) to ensure security and verifiability, which can be expensive. The Blob Sharing protocol enables different Layer 2 networks within the Tokamak ecosystem to collaborate and share the cost of this data storage. By bundling data into "blobs" and sharing the expense, the protocol aims to significantly reduce the operational costs for individual rollups, making them more economically viable. ^[2]

Cross-Chain Swap

The network has developed a system for facilitating cross-chain swaps that prioritizes security by minimizing reliance on external parties. The protocol is designed to enable asset transfers between different Layer 2 networks and the Ethereum mainnet without the need for whitelisting or third-party consensus mechanisms. Instead, its security model relies solely on the cryptographic guarantees of the underlying Layer 1 (Ethereum) and the respective Layer 2 networks involved in the swap. This design reduces trust assumptions and potential points of failure. ^[7]

Security, Reliability, and Identity

To ensure the integrity of its Layer 2 solutions, Tokamak Network has developed several protocols focused on security, verifiable randomness, and user identity.

L2 Watchtower

The L2 Watchtower is a security protocol that monitors the Layer 2 chains within the network for malicious activity. It operates using a system of staking and challenging. Participants can stake TON tokens to become "watchers" who observe the state of Layer 2 networks. If a watcher detects a fraudulent state transition or other malicious behavior, they can submit a challenge. This mechanism creates an economic incentive for honest monitoring and disincentivizes bad actors, thereby helping to secure the various application-specific rollups operating on the platform. ^{[8] [9]}

Verifiable Randomness

This feature is an open-source, minimal distributed randomness protocol. It is designed to provide a secure and verifiable source of random numbers for dApps that require them, such as those in gaming, lotteries, or NFT minting. The protocol aims to generate randomness in a way that is transparent and cannot be manipulated by any single party, ensuring fairness and predictability in applications that depend on chance-based outcomes. ^{[10] [11]}

Sybil Resistance

To combat Sybil attacks, where a single entity creates multiple fake identities to gain undue influence, Tokamak Network has developed a dedicated protocol. This system combines an identity-proving algorithm with a zk-rollup network. It provides a robust solution for user identification that can verify the uniqueness of users without compromising their privacy. This is particularly useful for governance systems, airdrops, and other applications where ensuring "one person, one vote" or fair distribution is critical. ^{[12] [13]}

Governance

Governance of the Tokamak Network is managed through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), with mechanisms designed to expand the utility of its native token.

Tokamak DAO

The Tokamak DAO is the governing body of the network, responsible for making decisions on protocol upgrades, treasury management, and other key parameters. The governance structure is designed to evolve towards greater decentralization. Initially managed by a three-member committee, the DAO is transitioning to a model that includes a security council, with the ultimate goal of granting TON token holders more direct control over the decision-making process. This evolution aims to align the network's development with the interests of its community and token holders. ^[14]

GemSton

GemSton is a project created to enhance the utility of staked TON tokens beyond their role in securing the L2 watchtower system. It introduces gamification elements by linking Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to staked TON positions. This allows stakers to participate in an interactive experience, potentially earning additional rewards or unique digital assets. By adding a layer of gameplay, GemSton aims to increase the incentive for users to stake their tokens and participate in the network's security and governance over the long term. ^{[15] [16]}

TON Tokenomics

The native token of the Tokamak Network is TON. It serves as both a utility token for participating in network services and a governance token for the Tokamak DAO. The following data represents a snapshot from an unspecified date. ^[2]

Market Data

• Price: 1.12 USD / ₩ 1,596
• Market Cap: $60,649,353 USD
• 24h Trading Volume: $2,015,858 USD
• Fully Diluted Valuation: $109,259,234 USD

Supply and Distribution

• Total Supply: 97,552,888.117 TON
• Circulating Supply: 54,151,208.369 TON
• Total Burned: 2,078,056.856 TON

Locked Tokens

• Total Staked: 25,943,669.68 TON
• DAO Vault: 17,458,010.068 TON

These figures illustrate the distribution of the TON token across staking contracts, the DAO treasury, and the circulating supply. ^[2]

Ecosystem

Tokamak Network is focused on building a "developer-centric community" by providing the necessary tools, resources, and financial incentives to attract builders to its platform. The ecosystem is supported by a grant program and structured onboarding processes designed to help developers integrate with the network's technology. ^[2]

The Tokamak Network Grant Program offers funding and support to developers and teams building innovative products and services on its protocol. The program is designed to accelerate the growth of the ecosystem by seeding new projects. Additionally, the network provides comprehensive onboarding documentation and resources to guide new developers through the process of building on its Layer 2 solutions. ^{[17] [18]}

Awards and Recognition

In January 2021, Tokamak Network received the "Best Technological Innovation Award" at the "PARTY Award 2020," an event hosted by PANONY and PANews, recognizing its contributions to blockchain technology. ^[1]

The project's early technical design also drew praise from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who commented on its innovative approach to Plasma technology. In a statement shared by the project, Buterin said:

“I was very impressed in the specific design that they made is one that even our own plasma researchers never thought about yet.”