What is DuckChain (DUCK)?

Quick Facts

  • Type: EVM-compatible Layer-2 blockchain on TON
  • Native token: DUCK (governance, gas, staking, payments)
  • Built with: Arbitrum Orbit technology
  • Developer: TONScale Labs in collaboration with Offchain Labs
  • Funding: $5 million raised in December 2024
  • Target audience: Telegram's nearly 1 billion users
  • AI integration: Quack AI protocol for on-chain governance

Introduction

DuckChain is the first EVM-compatible Layer-2 blockchain built on top of The Open Network (TON). It is designed to bring Telegram's massive user base into the world of Web3, making decentralized applications as accessible as sending a message.

Its native token, DUCK, powers every layer of the ecosystem — from paying gas fees to participating in governance and staking.

History & Background

DuckChain was developed by TONScale Labs in partnership with Offchain Labs, the team behind Arbitrum. In late 2024, the project secured $5 million in funding from notable backers including dao5, Tandem by Offchain Labs, and Kenetic Capital.

The project positioned itself as the first consumer-focused Layer-2 on TON, identifying a key gap: Telegram users were largely on TON, while most DeFi infrastructure and liquidity resided on Ethereum-compatible chains.

How DuckChain Works

DuckChain is built on Arbitrum Orbit, giving it high transaction throughput, rapid finality, and full Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility. This lets developers use familiar Ethereum tooling while building on DuckChain.

A multi-layer architecture underpins the network:

  • Decentralized Oracle Layer (DOL): Keeps DuckChain's state transparent and verified on TON.
  • Decentralized Asset Verify Layer (DAVL): Handles secure asset movement between DuckChain and TON using multi-signature wallets.
  • Intent Collaboration Layer: Translates user requests into on-chain transactions seamlessly.

One standout feature is the unified gas mechanism, which allows users to pay transaction fees using TON tokens or Telegram Stars — removing a common barrier for new blockchain users.

Tokenomics

DUCK is the central utility and governance token of the DuckChain ecosystem. It serves multiple roles:

  • Gas payments via the unified gas mechanism
  • Staking to earn rewards and support network security
  • Governance participation, including AI-assisted voting through Quack AI
  • Payments for services, premium dApp features, and liquidity provisioning
  • Cross-chain transfers across Ethereum, TON, and Bitcoin networks
Circulating supply ? 10.00 billion DUCK
Total supply ? 10.00 billion DUCK
Max supply ? -- DUCK
Updated 4d ago

Ecosystem & Use Cases

DuckChain targets cross-chain interoperability as a core value proposition, bridging TON, Ethereum, and Bitcoin ecosystems. Users can access DeFi protocols, decentralized applications, and asset management tools directly within Telegram.

The Quack AI protocol introduces AI agents for on-chain governance and user guidance, aiming to automate complex blockchain interactions for everyday users.

Team, Governance & Community

The project was co-founded by a pseudonymous figure known as 'Ducking,' described as a Web3 builder with a Cambridge University background who entered crypto in 2019. Development is led by TONScale Labs.

Governance is token-driven, with DUCK holders able to vote on protocol decisions, supported by AI agents designed to simplify the process for non-technical participants.

Advantages

  • EVM compatibility allows Ethereum developers to deploy dApps on DuckChain with minimal friction.
  • Unified gas payments via TON or Telegram Stars lower the entry barrier for new users.
  • Cross-chain reach connecting TON, Ethereum, and Bitcoin in one ecosystem.
  • AI-driven tools through Quack AI simplify governance and asset management.
  • Telegram integration provides direct access to a near-billion-user platform.

Risks & Challenges

  • Adoption uncertainty: Much early on-chain activity was driven by airdrop farming, raising questions about sustained organic usage.
  • Market performance: DUCK has experienced significant price decline from its initial peak.
  • Competitive landscape: Multiple Layer-2 solutions compete for developer and user attention.
  • Ecosystem dependency: DuckChain's growth is closely tied to Telegram's own Web3 adoption trajectory.

Long-Term Vision

DuckChain's ambition is to become the primary consumer blockchain layer for Telegram, connecting over a billion users to decentralized finance and Web3 applications. By combining EVM compatibility, AI-driven tools, and a seamless Telegram experience, the project aims to be the bridge between Web2 social platforms and the decentralized internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

DuckChain is the first EVM-compatible Layer-2 blockchain built on The Open Network (TON), developed using Arbitrum Orbit technology. It is designed to onboard Telegram users into Web3 through seamless dApp access and simplified crypto interactions.

DUCK is the native token of DuckChain, used for paying gas fees, staking, governance, cross-chain asset transfers, and payments within the ecosystem. It powers both everyday transactions and protocol-level decision-making.

DuckChain was built by TONScale Labs in collaboration with Offchain Labs, the team behind Arbitrum. The project was co-founded by a pseudonymous Web3 builder known as 'Ducking.'

DuckChain integrates directly with Telegram, allowing users to interact with decentralized applications without leaving the app. It also supports Telegram Stars as a form of gas payment, making transactions familiar for Telegram users.

DuckChain is one of the few Layer-2 solutions that bridges TON, Ethereum, and Bitcoin ecosystems simultaneously. Its unified gas mechanism and AI-powered governance tools also set it apart from traditional Layer-2 networks.

Quack AI is DuckChain's integrated AI protocol that supports on-chain governance and provides user guidance. It aims to make governance participation and asset management simpler for non-technical users.

Yes, DuckChain raised $5 million in December 2024 in a funding round that included dao5, Tandem by Offchain Labs, and Kenetic Capital. The funding supports infrastructure development and ecosystem growth.

Yes, DuckChain is fully EVM-compatible, meaning developers can use standard Ethereum development tools and deploy existing Ethereum smart contracts on DuckChain with minimal changes.