Tokamak Network
Tokamak Network is a blockchain protocol that provides infrastructure for developers to create and deploy customized Layer 2 (L2) networks on the Ethereum blockchain. The project's core offering is "L2 On-Demand," a framework designed to simplify the launch of application-specific L2 solutions. The native utility and governance token of the network is TON. [1]
Overview
Tokamak Network positions itself as a developer-centric ecosystem aimed at addressing Ethereum's scalability challenges. The protocol enables the creation of tailored L2 chains that can be optimized for specific use cases, such as decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, or privacy-focused applications. By providing a flexible and accessible L2 framework, the project seeks to lower the barrier to entry for developers looking to build scalable blockchain applications without being constrained by the high transaction fees and limited throughput of the Ethereum mainnet. [1] [2]
The project's philosophy centers on collaboration and providing foundational infrastructure for the broader blockchain community. It supports builders through grant programs, technical documentation, and open-source code repositories. Initially, the network's design was based on Plasma, a Layer 2 scaling technique that garnered attention from Ethereum's research community.
Over time, the project evolved its strategy to become a more comprehensive "On-Demand Layer 2 Platform," incorporating various scaling solutions, including zero-knowledge proofs, to serve a wider range of DApp and DeFi providers. Governance is managed through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), with plans to further decentralize control to TON token holders. [1] [2]
History
The public presence of Tokamak Network began around August 2017, the month its official X (formerly Twitter) account was created. By mid-2020, the project was actively engaging with the community on the topic of Ethereum scalability. In July 2020, it shared educational content about Layer 2 solutions prepared by an associated entity known as Onther. The following month, the network announced a collaboration with the cryptocurrency exchange Upbit Indonesia to conduct a price survey for its native token. [2]
A significant strategic shift occurred on November 12, 2020, when the project announced it would be "reborn as an On-Demand Layer 2 Platform." This pivot broadened its scope from a specific L2 implementation to a versatile platform offering various scaling solutions for DApp and DeFi service providers.
This new direction was guided by a philosophy of "collaboration not competition," as stated by CEO Kevin Jeong in early 2021. The project's technical contributions were recognized on January 27, 2021, when it received the "Best Technological Innovation Award" at the "PARTY Award 2020," an event organized by PANews. [2]
By 2025, the network had made significant progress on its technical roadmap. In September 2025, it launched an airdrop campaign to incentivize user testing of its Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology and published articles detailing its zk-EVM development. On October 14, 2025, an update on the Tokamak Rollup Hub indicated that the platform was entering its final release stage. The update also confirmed the completion of the Cross-Trade DApp and that security audits for its Distributed Randomness Beacon (DRB) were nearly finished. [1]
Technology
The Tokamak Network's architecture is composed of several protocols and features designed to provide a comprehensive suite of tools for building and securing Layer 2 networks.
L2 Infrastructure and Scalability
The core of the network is its flexible infrastructure that supports the deployment of various L2 solutions.
- Rollup Hub: This is the central platform where developers can deploy specialized, application-specific L2s. It is designed to support different types of rollups, allowing for chains optimized for distinct purposes like gaming or privacy. [1]
- zk-EVM (Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine): The network is developing a zk-EVM with a focus on accessibility. The stated goal is to lower the hardware requirements for becoming a prover, which would simplify the process of launching new zk-based L2 networks and encourage wider participation in securing them. [1]
- Blob Sharing for L2s: This is a proposed mechanism designed to reduce data availability costs for rollups. It would function by enabling different L2 networks within the ecosystem to collaborate and share the costs associated with posting data to the Ethereum mainnet. [1]
- Cross-Chain Swap: A system is in development to facilitate asset swaps between different chains. This protocol is designed to rely exclusively on the security of the underlying L1 (Ethereum) and the respective L2s, thereby avoiding the need for third-party consensus mechanisms or whitelisted bridges that can introduce additional security risks. [1]
- Plasma: In its early stages, the project utilized Plasma, a Layer 2 scaling technique that processes transactions off-chain. This initial design was notably praised by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin for its innovative approach. [2]
Security, Reliability, and Identity
To ensure the integrity of the L2 networks built on its platform, Tokamak has developed several security-focused components.
- L2 Watchtower: This is a security mechanism that monitors L2 networks for malicious or erroneous activities by operators. It utilizes a system of staking and challenges, where participants stake TON tokens to act as "watchtowers." If a watchtower detects an invalid state transition, it can issue a challenge to prevent the fraudulent activity and potentially earn a reward. [1]
- Verifiable Randomness: The project is developing a minimal distributed randomness protocol, which it intends to release as open-source software. This protocol aims to provide a reliable and verifiable source of on-chain randomness, a critical component for applications such as gaming, lotteries, and NFT minting. [1]
- Sybil Resistance: An initiative is underway to create an identity-proving algorithm and a dedicated zk-rollup network for user identification. The goal of this system is to prevent Sybil attacks, where a single malicious actor creates numerous fake identities to gain undue influence over a network or application. [1]
Tokenomics
The native token of the Tokamak Network is TON. It serves as a utility token for network operations and a governance token for the project's DAO. The primary utility of TON is for staking within the L2 Watchtower system, where participants lock up tokens to help secure the network. The token is also used to participate in governance proposals and vote on the future direction of the protocol.
To expand the utility of staked TON, the project introduced GemSton, an initiative that links Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to staked positions, adding gamified elements and engagement layers. [1]
Supply and Distribution
As of October 15, 2025, the token's supply and distribution metrics were as follows:
- Total Supply: 97,699,198.197 TON
- Circulating Supply: 54,047,105.101 TON
- Burned Supply: 2,078,056.856 TON
- Staked Tokens: 26,194,083.028 TON
- DAO Vault: 17,458,010.068 TON
These figures reflect a significant portion of the token supply being actively used for staking or held in the DAO treasury for ecosystem funding and governance purposes. [1]
Governance
Tokamak Network is governed by a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO), which allows TON token holders to participate in decision-making processes. The project has announced plans to update its governance model to further enhance decentralization. The proposed changes involve removing the existing three-member DAO committee structure and implementing a security council. This transition is intended to give TON token holders more direct control and freedom in governance, moving the project towards a more community-driven model. The funds held in the DAO Vault are allocated based on governance proposals for ecosystem development, grants, and other initiatives. [1]
Awards and Recognition
In January 2021, Tokamak Network received the "Best Technological Innovation Award" at the "PARTY Award 2020," an event hosted by PANews, a news outlet focused on the blockchain industry in Asia. [2]
The project's early technical design also received a notable endorsement from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. In a comment shared by the project, Buterin praised its implementation of Plasma technology, stating:
“I was very impressed in the specific design that they made is one that even our own plasma researchers never thought about yet.” [2]
Team
The project is led by CEO Kevin Jeong, who has publicly articulated the network's vision and collaborative philosophy. An entity named Onther has been associated with the project since at least 2020 and is credited with preparing technical and educational content, suggesting it may be the core development team or a parent organization behind Tokamak Network. [2] [3]